Towradgi Station in the Illawarra region has undergone a significant upgrade, transforming it into a more accessible and welcoming facility for the local community. This project, led by the Nguluway DesignInc and DesignInc teams, utilized a Designing from Country methodology, which involved consulting Traditional Custodians to ensure that the station’s design is deeply rooted in the cultural and environmental context of the area.
The upgraded station now features a new footbridge with safety screens, as well as lifts and stairs connecting to the platforms, providing improved access for all passengers. The station includes platform canopies to shelter passengers, an accessible bathroom, and enhanced wayfinding and lighting to improve the overall user experience. The upgrade also supports multi-modal transport, with new bicycle hoops, kiss and ride spaces, and improved pedestrian pathways that link the station to the surrounding streets. The connection to the adjacent pocket park has also been enhanced with new pathways, landscaping, and seating, creating a more integrated and inviting public space.
The project incorporates numerous sustainability initiatives, aligning with the goal of achieving Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) certification. These initiatives include climate change impact assessments, the use of low-maintenance landscaping, and the selection of recycled and low-carbon materials such as ‘green concrete’ and ‘foam concrete.’ The project also achieved a 10% reduction in potable water usage, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility. Social sustainability was also a key focus, with strategies designed to be responsive to the needs of the community, including the integration of First Nations stories and adherence to accessibility standards.
Towradgi Station is situated on the land of the Wodi Wodi and Dharawal People. Through consultation with Traditional Custodians, the design of the station was informed by the significance of the ‘seven warriors’ story and the deep connection between the land below the Illawarra escarpment and the ocean. The design reflects the geographic setting, indigenous vegetation, and native fauna, symbolizing the transition from the mountains to the sea. The upper levels of the station evoke the escarpment, while the lower levels reflect the ocean, allowing passengers to experience a symbolic journey from the mountains, through the plains, to the coast—transitioning from sweetwater, through bitter water, to saltwater as they move through the station.
This thoughtful design approach not only enhances the functionality and accessibility of Towradgi Station but also deeply embeds the cultural and environmental narratives of the land, providing a meaningful and enriching experience for all who use the station.
Photography by Sandor Dusz
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