Victoria Street Station
Built in the late 1800s, Maitland’s Victoria Street Railway Station was a simple brick building and single platform with a steel overbridge link. As part of the Transport Access Program (TAP), DesignInc was engaged to develop concept architectural services during construction.
The upgraded station provides a better experience for customers and staff and improves accessibility. All passengers including the disabled, elderly and families travelling with children benefit from new lifts and canopies, refurbishment of the heritage station building and security upgrades. Newly built elements are clearly differentiated to maintain visibility of the original heritage structures.
Three new lifts present as prominent vertical elements, with brick cladding at their bases to match the existing station. The lift shafts are steel and glazed structures which contrast with the heaviness of the masonry below, while complementing the lightness of the folding canopy that they connect to above.
The canopy has a folded and cantilevered form that is designed to float above the historical structure in a distinctly contemporary gesture that allows a clean view of the existing footbridge. The canopy, further developed from the concept, was modified to enhance its soaring form by redesigning the canopy supports. The changes contribute a sense of lightness and openness between the canopy and footbridge, and emphasise its distinctive appearance.
The canopies where pre-fabricated off-site in two segments, minimising interruptions to this busy commuter and freight line. Half was installed over the freight track and other half installed over passenger track in a sequenced program. The design provides a single elegant folded form.
People
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