St James Railway Station Sydney
History
Opened in 1926, St James Railway Station was part of the Bradfield Plan. Designed by chief engineer John Bradfield, the plan incorporated the Sydney Harbour Bridge an underground city railway network and Central Station. Bradfield also planned the electrification of the suburban Sydney rail network. Although only partially implemented, his plan forms the basis for today’s Sydney rail network.
The station features a classical architectural style, with a sandstone entrance building on Elizabeth Street and a vaulted ceiling with tiled walls and floors underground. The station signage is similar to the roundel design used in the London underground. Only Museum Station has similar signage in Sydney.
Built to extend the railway line into the city centre and provide access to Hyde Park and St James’ Church the station forms part of the City Circle Line. It was originally named Queen’s Square, but renamed St James in 1927 to avoid confusion with Queen’s Square in London (apparently for those who didn’t know what hemisphere they were in).
Secret Tunnels
Although not open to the public, the station has several secret tunnels, the result of the cancelled plans for connecting lines. These tunnels have led a fascinating, shadowy existence over the years. They have served as a bomb shelter during World War II, a mushroom farm in the 1950s, a film set for Hollywood movies such as The Matrix and Mission: Impossible II.
Historical railway artefacts are displayed in cabinets and as murals placed around the station. These show the construction of the rail line and station and detail its history.
Other Interesting Train Stations
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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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