Waitara Station

As part of the NSW Government vision for equitable public transport across the state, Waitara Station was upgraded to be accessible, welcoming, modern and sympathetic to the existing urban precinct and heritage station. DesignInc provided integrated architecture, urban design and landscape services for the detailed design and construction phases of the project.

A key component of the design is a new pedestrian underpass with lift and stair access to the platforms. As well as providing access to the station, the new rail underpass provides a safe pedestrian connection from the medium density residential zone on one side of the rail corridor, to the commercial areas on the other. The undulating ceiling soffit and white tiles used in the design of the underpass, visually brightens and spatially expands the tunnel experience, making it feeler safer. Links to the surrounding suburb are improved through new entry zones with landscaping, bicycle parking, kiss and ride spaces and expansion of the adjacent commuter car park.

Location: Cammeraygal Country
Waitara, New South Wales
Client: Gartner Rose
Year: 2025
Project Contact: Garth Davies
Photography: Sandor Duzs
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Considerate and Accessible

The design takes cues from the heritage language of the existing station, with simple, modern interpretations. Arched ceilings in the new underpass mirror the previous underpass, and a new platform canopy continues the profile of the existing roof pitch. The heritage colours of the existing station buildings are complemented by crisp white and grey tones of new elements. Existing heritage fabric is retained, celebrated and adaptively reused wherever possible, and new materials are selected to be complementary and durable.

Reflection and Reconciliation

A mural comprising two complementary works by Wiradjuri artist Merindah Funnell now feature at each end of Waitara Station’s underpass. Inspired by Darug/Guringai Country, the works reflect the area’s mountains, waterways, and native flora, using flowing symbols to represent travel and connection. Funnell, a proud Tubba-Gah woman, uses vibrant colours and bold design to celebrate First Nations culture, inviting commuters to reflect on movement across Country and the stories held within it.

The upgrade includes family accessible bathrooms, an ambulant toilet, new pedestrian underpass, new station entrances, lifts and stairs, wayfinding, new platform canopies, wayfinding and lighting.