From spokesperson at redwatch.org.au Wed Oct 25 13:37:28 2023 From: spokesperson at redwatch.org.au (Geoff Turnbull (REDWatch Spokesperson)) Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 02:37:28 +0000 Subject: [Lift Redfern] Lifting Redfern Message-ID: Hi Lift Redfern Supporters from 2011-12 As you may have heard Redfern now has lifts to the above ground platforms. A major advance on the single lift we achieved in 2015 after our 2011-12 campaign. Lifts to the Eastern Suburbs line still seem some time off with Transport expecting them to be delivered when they build above these platforms at Redfern. As someone involved in the Lift Redfern Campaign we thought we would let you know of this latest development. Transport tend to think only about the people immediately involved but we know that what has happened has had over 10,000 people signing petitions and being involved over a very long time. So if you would like to celebrate the greater Lifting of Redfern, Transport is having a Thank You function on Friday 27 October 12.30-2.00pm and if you would like to attend please email projects at transport.nsw.gov.au so they have some idea of how many people are coming. Below from the REDWatch Update newsletter is more information about the Southern Concourse and what the community has achieved. Redfern Southern Concourse opens & Thank You function - 27 October On 8 October 2023, the Southern Concourse was opened by the Premier with no locals, including local media invited. The new Concourse will provide lift access to the 10 above ground platforms at Redfern. The Eastern Suburbs underground line is still not accessible by lift and those arriving at the Southern Concourse will have quite a walk and no lifts to access the underground platforms. Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has advised that lift access to platforms 11 and 12 will likely wait until planning is complete for the 14 storey building zoned to be built above the Eastern Suburbs line. This building is also expected to provide a proper disability grade access to buses. The underground station has been identified as a fire risk as it is only assessable from one direction. As part of the upgrade new pedestrian crossings have been provided to assist those using the Southern Concourse to cross Gibbons and Regent Streets although the desire lines to and from buses and the new pedestrian lights have not yet been optimised. There are steps on the Marian Street side but the lift on platform 10 goes to the main concourse and the exit gate level as well as platform 10. The stairs from platform 10 to South Eveleigh were removed on the day of the opening and replaced by stairs to the new exit. The big win for the local community is that they will be able to cross from one side to the other without having to tap on and off through barriers. Barriers have to be used by those going to and from the platforms but a "Community Access" gate at each end is open for pedestrian traffic just crossing from one side to the other. On the first day of operation we saw bicycle riders taking their bikes across the bridge and people walking their dogs. This is the only platform on the network where the local community and rail patrons share a common concourse. The signs had to be made specially. The drawback of this arrangement is that local access will be closed when the station is closed between approximately 1.30 am to 4.30am. REDWatch, as part of the wider "Lift Redfern" Campaign presented a petition to Parliament with over 10,000 signatures for lifts at Redfern Station in May 2012. This resulted in a single lift installed to platforms 6&7 at the northern end in November 2015. With only 10 platforms still accessible by lifts, it will likely be many more years before Redfern Station is fully accessible. Change takes a long time! The TfNSW project team would like to thank local residents, nearby businesses and key stakeholders for their involvement in the project, and patience and understanding during construction. To show its appreciation, TfNSW is inviting locals to a community event for the Redfern Station Upgrade on Friday 27 October from 12-2:30pm at the Marian Street station entrance. The event will be an opportunity to come together and celebrate the opening of the Upgrade. Light refreshments will be provided. If you wish to attend please email to projects at transport.nsw.gov.au. REDWatch has told TfNSW that we will let those who campaigned to "Lift Redfern" also know about the event. You can find out more about the Concourse on the TfNSW project website - Redfern Station Upgrade - New Southern Concourse. This includes a Time-lapse of the Redfern Station Upgrade project and the Community notification: completion newsletter October 2023 (PDF, 2.28 MB). Regards, Geoff Geoffrey Turnbull REDWatch Co-Spokesperson Ph Wk: (02) 8004 1490 Mob: 0418 457 392 email: spokesperson at redwatch.org.au web: www.redwatch.org.au FB: www.facebook.com/RedfernEveleighDarlingtonWaterlooWatch/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: