The drastic growth of Sydney’s population in the last decade and predictions for its future numbers has some transport and infrastructure minds worried.

Always more of a patchwork pastiche of a city – more disjointedly planned than either Melbourne or Canberra – Sydney nonetheless retains its place as the country most attractive employment destination. But commuting through it is frustrating and convoluted.

The drastic growth of Sydney’s population in the last decade and predictions for its future numbers has some transport and infrastructure minds worried. Always more of a patchwork pastiche of a city – more disjointedly planned than either Melbourne or Canberra – Sydney nonetheless retains its place as the country most attractive employment destination. But commuting through it is frustrating and convoluted.

Transport for NSW’s approach to this challenge is an initiative known as the Transport Access Program, outlining a series of upgrades to Sydney’s network that will equip it for our visions for the future. The priorities are threefold: making stations more accessible to those with disabilities, more convenient to use as an integrated network – especially in terms of transfers – and generally modernising the façade and facilities to better serve Australia’s growing population, especially in Sydney’s West. One of these facilities is Harris Park Station, whose average number of daily visitors is expected to increase from 3,500 today to over 5,300 in 2036.

Arrow Metal created a metal cladding for a statement walkway that forms the focal point of Harris Park Station’s upgrade. Created from panels of 3mm aluminium sheets, these panels have been precision perforated with a geometric pattern of hexagons, diamonds and other custom shapes to create a totally original design. This is a departure from the clean, classic styles of most perforated metal, but the result is much more visually engaging and well worth Arrow Metal’s investment in new tooling machinery at its facility in Silverwater.

Unveiled in July 2018 as a durable, low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing access route for commuters, the new walkway has been warmly received by the residents of Sydney’s West – not only the residents of Harris Park itself, but those who use it as a transfer point for commuting to the CBD, Blacktown, and Sydney’s southwest. The quality of Arrow Metal’s perforations delivers on the ideals of visibility and wellbeing, allowing natural light and airflow to travel through the station as easily as its customers. Delivered within timescales and budget, Arrow Metal’s Harris Park Station walkway is an impressive part of the repertoire of upgrades that are making Sydney’s transport infrastructure safer and more convenient – especially for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.