A $1.6 billion new Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail project has been given the green light from the NSW Government.

The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.

It extends from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station and Moore Park, then to Kingsford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.

The main contract to design, build, operate and maintain the new system is expected to be awarded as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) by early 2015 with major construction commencing soon after.

The service is expected to be open and operational in 2019 or 2020.

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said the project will transform Sydney, deliver over $4 billion worth of economic benefits and create 10,000 jobs for NSW.

"Light rail will bring major benefits for Sydneysiders including significantly improved access to modern and reliable public transport, access to sporting, entertainment, health, and education precincts, a boost to local businesses, and we have no doubt it will also result in urban renewal and economic development."

Project fast facts

The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick
The project also includes the development of a pedestrian zone along George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets
Includes 20 light rail stops along the 12 kilometre route
High frequency, ‘turn up and go’ services every two to three minutes during peak periods in the CBD and every five to six minutes between Moore Park and the Randwick and Kingsford branches
Major interchanges with ferry, heavy rail and bus services
A fleet of electric-powered Light Rail Vehicles’s (LRVs), with air conditioning and accessible low-floor design
A highly reliable service with the capability to carry up to 9000 passengers per hour in each direction
Public domain improvements including possible new public spaces, paving, trees, lighting and street furniture
A stabling facility in Randwick and a maintenance depot in Rozelle

Further details on Sydney Light Rail are available at www.sydneylightrail.com.au

The EIS Submissions Report is available at www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au

David Wheeldon

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