Epping to Thornleigh Third Rail Track

See attached.

Attention Director: Director, Infrastructure Projects
Subject:
Major Projects Assessment, Department of Planning and Infrastructure
Epping to Thornleigh Third Track proposal - SS1 5132

I would like to make the following comments about the above projects.

1. Concourse at Cheltenham station
The proposed overhead concourse at Cheltenham, may be better located further north, as shown on attachment A. My reasons for suggesting this move are:
The ground surrounding is higher, resulting in fewer steps being required.
These steps can be more easily screened in this position, taking advantage of existing vegetation.
This assists in reconciling the station with the character of the surrounding built environment (see point number two)
The stairs on the northwestern side would be closer to the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of The Crescent and Cheltenham Rd, the major pedestrian route to and from the station.
Larger amounts of grass would be able to be retained in this area.


2. Building Architecture at Cheltenham

The overall architecture does not reflect the surrounding federation and mid twentieth century buildings. The use of large areas of glass, apart from being out of keeping with the surrounding buildings, will be expensive to maintain, i.e. cleaning.

This structure over the railway is inevitably high, and consequently must be in sympathy with the surrounding environment.
More suitable materials could be used in places.


3.Pennant Hills concourse extension
The design of the proposed concourse extension could be improved by the following changes, to maintain the aesthetics and balance in the architecture. (See attachment C)
Building the extension with the floor at the level of the western end of the existing concourse. (Lower than proposed.)
Replacement of stairs within the concourse with ramps to improve access to this section.
Not extending the clerestory windows further than the existing concourse.
My reason for this is to preserve the balance of the station, and to have its shape continue to resemble the balconies found on many historic Australian buildings.

Use of the existing triangle motif on the new stairs, as shown in attachment C.
My reason for this, is that motif is featured in many local buildings, (particularly bus shelters), and adds to the local character of the station.
In addition, new sections would better fit in with the existing station if this motif is included.

4. Stairs and lift at Pennant hills station
The proposed lift tower may compromise views towards the clock tower from the street.
It may be beneficial to make this tower as small as engineering requirements allow.
The proposed third track and relief platform remove much of the garden space along Yarrarra Rd.
It may be better to build only a single staircase, facing north. (see attachment D)
My reasons for this are:
The foot path along Yarrara Rd does not go anywhere to the north, no pedestrian traffic will be interfered with.
Access to both sets of pedestrian crossings is adequate with the current foot path.
More space for plants along footpath.
Station won't dominate street too much, despite being closer than before.
Potential to preserve the veranda like aesthetic, (see point three)

Spaces under platform stairs currently featuring garden beds, are worth retaining. They add to the attractiveness of the station. New plants and landscaping could be added between and under new stairs, which may provide similar benefits.
If possible, the existing stairs could be retained, and renovated, rather than demolished.
This could reduce the waste, resources needed, and cost.

5. Yarrara Road Streetscape
The proposed replacement streetscape between the station stairs and Pennant hills Rd, may be better with more of a bushland aesthetic.
My reasons: Fitting in better with the landscape on the opposite side (of the tracks)
Fitting in better with Hornsby shire's "Bushland shire" ideal.
Opportunity to recycle exiting landscape material, such as wood and stones.


6. Retaining wall/embankment at pennant hills station
The proposed path of the third track though pennant hills will require a high embankment or retaining wall. For aesthetic reasons, this should be at least partially covered by plants, or grasses, similar to the existing embankment, and the one along the platform opposite. (See attachment D) Also beneficial, would be making this as steep, and as near to the line as possible, to maximise the streetscape above. (see point five)


7. Barrier walls and fences at stations

Where possible, existing fences at stations could be recycled. My reasons for this suggestion are:
Minimising waste, resource use and also cost.
Simple way to be sympathetic to existing design.


8. Bridge over sectioning hut near Epping.

The proposed bridge presents an opportunity to screen the unattractive concrete wall left by the construction of the Epping to Chatswood link. It may benefit from a coloured finish on the support structures, and or screening plants.


Thomas Walder