Sydney’s railway tunnels to be converted into bars and restaurants

A new plan is being floated to open Sydney’s abandoned railway tunnels beneath the CBD to bars and restaurants.

The St James tunnels were built as part of a never completed rail line from the city’s eastern suburbs to northern beaches.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance described the network of abandoned tunnels as a “hidden gem” that could inject $2 million into the government coffers annually.

“We’re going to open this train line in a way that was never expected,” Constance told news.com. “To take these 100 year old disused rail platforms and tunnels and turn them into opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

“In London they opened up some of their disused tunnels and there are generating something in the region of a million pounds a year (AU$1.8 million) for the state.”

“Spaces like the St James tunnel are rare. Around the world, hidden spaces are being converted into unique experiences and we want St James station to be part of that. That’s why we’re casting the net right across the world.

“Better to take that history, protect it, clean it up, scrub graffiti of the walls and turn it into something everyone can enjoy. What a wonderful gem this could be.”

Sydney Trains CEO Howard Collins said it was important not to lose the historic feel.

International real estate agents CBRE has been tasked with attracting expressions of interest with the hope conversion work can begin next year.

Sheridan Randall, 3^rd October 2018