Towradgi Station in the Illawarra region has undergone a significant upgrade, transforming it into an accessible and welcoming facility for the local community. The project was a collaborative effort between Nguluway DesignInc and DesignInc, who employed a Designing from Country methodology. This approach involved consulting Traditional Custodians to ensure that the station’s design respectfully incorporates local Indigenous stories and connections to the land.

The upgraded station now features a new footbridge with safety screens, lifts, and stairs that connect to the platforms, providing improved access for all passengers. Platform canopies offer shelter from the elements, and an accessible bathroom, enhanced wayfinding, and improved lighting further contribute to the station’s user-friendly design. The upgrade also supports multi-modal transport with the inclusion of bicycle hoops, kiss and ride spaces, and improved pedestrian pathways that link the station to the surrounding streets. Connections to the adjacent pocket park have been enhanced through the addition of new pathways, landscaping, and seating, creating a more integrated and inviting environment.

Sustainability was a key focus of the Towradgi Station upgrade, with numerous initiatives aimed at achieving Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) certification. Environmental measures included climate change impact assessments, the use of low-maintenance landscaping, and the incorporation of recycled and low-carbon materials such as ‘green concrete’ and ‘foam concrete.’ Additionally, the project achieved a 10% reduction in potable water usage. Social sustainability was also prioritized, with the integration of First Nations stories and adherence to accessibility standards, ensuring the station is responsive to the needs of the community.

Towradgi Station sits on the land of the Wodi Wodi and Dharawal People, and consultation with Traditional Custodians revealed the significance of the ‘seven warriors’ story and the deep connection to the land stretching from the Illawarra escarpment to the ocean. The station’s design symbolically represents this transition from mountains to sea, with the upper levels of the station reflecting the escarpment and the lower levels evoking the ocean. As passengers move through the station, they experience a journey that mirrors the natural landscape—from the mountains through the plains to the coast, and from sweetwater to bitter water to saltwater.

This thoughtful design not only enhances the functionality and accessibility of Towradgi Station but also deeply embeds the cultural and geographical narratives of the land, providing a meaningful and enriching experience for all who pass through.

Photography by Brett Boardman