Blackheath Station Upgrade

The Blackheath Station upgrade was part of the Transport Access Program, an initiative of the NSW Government to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering modern, safe and accessible infrastructure. The upgrade involved the removal of an existing at-grade level crossing and the installation of 3 lifts, along with accessible entrances to the lifts and concourse areas from both the Railway Parade carpark and the Great Western Highway entrance. Other features included platform resurfacing and minor civil works, and the installation of new lighting and a water fountain.

Arenco approached Ineco to undertake sustainability management on the project, with the goal of achieving a ‘Silver’ rating under the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Sustainable Design Guidelines version 4.

Efforts were made to ensure that sustainable practices were embedded in all aspects of the project. Ineco held a climate change risk adaptation workshop during the design phase, which helped to mitigate high and extreme risks and achieve a top rating for 8 of the 9 medium risks.

During the construction phase, Ineco worked with the team to implement initiatives to minimise material use, waste, as well as power and resource use. The team also worked with materials providers, particularly steel and concrete, to ensure that sustainable practices were embedded in their products.

In addition, the project contributed to the restoration of the Govett’s leap mural on the platform, the planting of 13 trees of local and intrinsic significance, 3 interpretive artwork installations, and 3 Indigenous artworks within the station precinct. These efforts earned the project a top ISC rating for local community benefit and initiatives.

The project achieved a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions against a base case for the construction, a 70% reduction in construction potable water use, a 97.8% C&D waste diversion from landfill, 100% beneficial reuse of spoil, and a 22% reduction in operational energy use.

The success of the Blackheath Station upgrade project is a testament to the importance of sustainable practices in construction and design. The collaboration between Arenco and Ineco, led to a project that not only met but exceeded the sustainability goals set out by TfNSW.

The project was successful in achieving a ‘Platinum’ rating for the construction works, which exceeded the required ‘Silver’ rating.

The implementation of initiatives to reduce waste and resource use during construction, as well as the incorporation of local community benefit and art installations, demonstrate that sustainable practices can be achieved without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. The Blackheath Station upgrade serves as a model for future projects seeking to achieve sustainable design and construction.

The success of the Blackheath Station upgrade project is a clear indication of the importance of sustainable practices in construction and design. The efforts made by the team to reduce waste and resource use during construction were commendable, as were the initiatives to mitigate high and extreme risks during the design phase.

The project’s contribution to the restoration of the Govett’s leap mural on the platform, the planting of trees, and the installation of artworks within the station precinct further demonstrate the project’s commitment to local community benefit and initiatives.