Monorail up for grabs

Seven months after it purchased the Sydney Monorail with the aim of dismantling it, the NSW Government has invited bids for its removal.

NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian has called on interested parties to bid for the removal of all monorail infrastructure from the CBD and Darling Harbour, including the 3.6 kilometre track, structural columns, stations, workshop and the monorail carriages.

“We’ve heard plenty of talk from individuals and groups suggesting they’re interested in putting in a bid for the monorail, but now it is time to get serious,” said Ms Berejiklian.

“Anyone interested in purchasing or removing Sydney’s Monorail can formally register their interest.

“The monorail needs to come down to make way for the development of the new convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.”

Ms Berejiklian said the deadline for bids was Friday, October 12.

The news was welcomed by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who advocated replacing the monorail with light rail.

“Removing the ugly and intrusive monorail and replacing it with efficient and effective light rail will improve transport access in central Sydney,” she said.

“The City of Sydney has committed $180 million for public domain works in George Street when light rail proceeds.”

Ms Moore said a new transport link between the CBD and Darling Harbour could be achieved by a spur off the existing light rail line, which runs through Haymarket, on the southern edge of Darling Harbour.

“Our vision for light rail in the city includes extending the existing track that runs through Haymarket into the Darling Harbour precinct. This simple extension, which could be carried out as part of the redevelopment of the Sydney Convention and Entertainment Centre, would connect directly to light rail on George Street.”

The Sydney Monorail first opened in 1988 as part of the Darling Harbour redevelopment.

It will cease operating on June 30 next year.