TLDR;
This video explores John Bradfield's visionary City Circle plan for Sydney's railway system, which included the electrification of suburban railways, an underground city circle line, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The construction faced delays due to World War I, but eventually led to the creation of underground stations like Museum and St James, as well as Town Hall and Wynyard. The completion of the City Circle significantly impacted Sydney's urban development, shifting commercial focus to the city center.
- John Bradfield's City Circle plan transformed Sydney's transportation.
- Construction faced delays but resulted in key underground stations.
- The completed City Circle reshaped Sydney's commercial geography.
John Bradfield's Railway Scheme [0:40]
John Bradfield, known as the father of modern Sydney, created an ambitious transportation plan in 1915 that included the electrification of Sydney's suburban railways, an underground city circle line, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Inspired by other major cities like London, New York, and Paris, Bradfield's plan aimed to modernize Sydney's transport infrastructure. However, the start of World War I delayed the commencement of the project until 1922.
Eastern spur line Museum & St James 1926 [1:20]
The eastern spur line, part of Bradfield's plan, covered 1.75 kilometers, including 250 meters of tunnels under Macquarie Street, intended for a future eastern suburbs line that was never built. From Central Station, the line ran over a six-track wide sandstone viaduct, meticulously handcrafted and stretching 500 meters parallel to Elizabeth Street. The tunnel portals for the eastern spur line are located within a building surrounded by Campbell, Goulburn, Elizabeth, and Castlereagh Streets. After entering the tunnel portal, twin tunnels proceeded north under Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets, emerging at Museum Station. Museum Station, initially known as Liverpool Street, was renamed due to its proximity to the Australian Museum. The underground section utilized the "cut and cover" tunneling method. Twin tunnels cut diagonally across Hyde Park, aligning with Park Street before meeting Macquarie Street, the location of St James Station.
Western line, Town Hall & Wynyard Station 1932 [3:54]
Following the opening of the eastern spur line, work intensified on the western section, which involved deep tunneling under city buildings to construct Town Hall and Wynyard stations. These stations were built to coincide with the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. Excavations began in late 1925, transforming Wynyard Park into a quarry-like site. The excavations for Town Hall Station were so close to the Town Hall building that they damaged the front porch, necessitating its demolition and remodeling after the station's completion. Both stations were constructed using a steel framework and designed to accommodate multiple lines over two levels, serving both the city circle line and the north shore lines. Town Hall Station included provisions for future eastern suburbs line platforms and tunnels at a deeper level. By mid-1927, excavations for both stations were well underway, with tunnels connecting them also under construction. As Wynyard Station progressed, construction began on a new headquarters for the railways above the station, an art deco building that still stands today. The western line stations and all tunneling were completed by late 1931 and opened to the public on February 28, 1932, just before the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening.
Harbour front, Circular Quay Station 1956 [5:26]
John Bradfield's plan included an elevated station at Circular Quay, a key component of the city circle. Cost overruns and World War II delayed the completion of his vision, and he did not live to see it finished. The project was revived after the war, with finalized plans in 1948 for the missing waterfront link. The revised plan included an overhead expressway connecting to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The original solid wall design for the station building was modified to a more open plan, allowing harbor views through the ground and track levels. Work recommenced on the viaduct to carry the tracks and roadway in 1951. Circular Quay Station finally opened on January 20, 1956, with regular passenger service starting two days later.
The effect of the City Circle on the city of Sydney [6:18]
The completion of the City Circle had a profound effect on Sydney, leading to the repositioning of shopping districts and office space from areas around Central Station and Broadway to the city center. Clusters of department stores formed around the Market and Elizabeth Street precincts, transforming the urban landscape.