Victoria Cross: Photographing North Sydney’s New Metro Station

As an architectural photographer, capturing the essence of a location involves more than just documenting its physical structure. It’s about understanding the spirit of the space and translating that into imagery. When I was commissioned to photograph the newly constructed Victoria Cross metro station in North Sydney, I knew I was about to embark on a journey to document a piece of Sydney’s urban future.

The Victoria Cross station is not just a transport hub; it’s a significant milestone in Sydney’s infrastructure, an architectural feat that symbolises the city’s growth and modernisation. This station is part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing the city’s status as a global metropolis.

Having previously photographed all the stations from Chatswood to Tallawong for Transport for NSW, I was particularly excited to be part of capturing one of the latest additions to the network. Each station tells its own story, and Victoria Cross is no exception, standing out as a symbol of North Sydney’s continued transformation.

A Collaborative Design Triumph

The architecture of Victoria Cross station is the result of a collaboration between some of the most prominent names in the field. COX Architecture, renowned for their innovative and human-centric designs, led the architectural, interior, and graphic design efforts. They were commissioned by Lendlease, the lead developer responsible for the station’s construction, which includes not only the metro station itself but also the over-station development.

Lendlease’s role in the project was crucial, overseeing the integration of the station with a 42-level commercial tower that anchors North Sydney’s growing urban density. Their involvement ensured that the station serves as both a functional transit space and a commercial hub, enhancing the vibrancy of North Sydney’s business district.

This project is part of a broader consortium that includes Bates Smart and Aspect Studios, who worked in unison to develop both the station and its surrounding urban precinct. This collaboration ensured that the station integrates seamlessly with North Sydney’s urban landscape while creating a new focal point for the area.

The Construction Journey

Constructing Victoria Cross station was an engineering challenge of epic proportions. Built within Australia’s largest rail cavern, the station sits deep beneath Miller Street, reaching depths of up to 52 meters. The station was constructed by the John Holland CPB Ghella joint venture, a team of construction giants who tackled the formidable task of excavating sandstone to create the cavernous space.

Lendlease played a pivotal role in managing the construction process, which involved coordinating multiple aspects of the station’s development, including the integration of commercial and retail spaces above the station. Their expertise in large-scale developments ensured that the project remained on track, both in terms of timelines and quality, despite the challenges posed by the underground excavation.

The station’s scale is equally impressive, with the cavern stretching 280 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 16 meters high. The vastness of the space is both awe-inspiring and daunting, a feeling that I aimed to capture through my photography.

One of the station’s most unique features is its northern entrance, which is Australia’s first lift-only station entrance. This innovative design choice optimises both safety and amenity for passengers, providing a secure and accessible entry point that blends into the residential and commercial surroundings.

A Photographer’s Perspective

Photographing Victoria Cross station was a great experience. The architecture is a blend of sleek modernity and thoughtful integration with the surrounding urban context, and capturing this balance was key to telling the station’s story through my images.

For this assignment, my focus was on the interiors, capturing the dynamic spaces that commuters will experience daily. Inside, the challenge was conveying the station’s scale and complexity. The vast platform spaces, lined with sleek glass-reinforced concrete panelling, create a sense of international efficiency and modernity. I used wide-angle lenses to convey the grandeur of the space, but I also focused on smaller details—the interplay of light and shadow, the texture of materials, and the movement of commuters. Together, these elements tell the story of a space designed for speed, efficiency, and ease of use.

The transition areas, where passengers move from the platform to the concourse and finally to the street, were particularly interesting to photograph. These spaces are designed for fast movement, with materials and architectural forms that blend seamlessly between the gridded urban fabric of North Sydney and the curvilinear efficiency of the underground station.

The Station as a Catalyst for Change

Victoria Cross Station is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it’s a catalyst for transformation in North Sydney. The station not only enhances connectivity within the city but also acts as a central node in the growing commercial and residential precinct of North Sydney. Lendlease’s development of the commercial tower above the station will create a vibrant urban hub supporting the ongoing evolution of this city.

COX Architecture’s vision for the station is grounded in creating a public space that connects fragmented streets and lanes, providing a new civic boulevard that enhances the pedestrian experience. This vision is realised through the station’s thoughtful design, which prioritises accessibility, safety, and ease of use for all passengers.

From a photographer’s perspective, capturing this transformation was about more than just documenting a new metro station. It was about telling the story of a city on the move, a city that is evolving and growing while staying connected to its roots. Through my lens, I aimed to capture the essence of Victoria Cross station as both a functional transit hub and a symbol of Sydney’s future.

Reflections on the Experience

Photographing the new Victoria Cross metro station in North Sydney has been a rewarding experience. The station is a testament to the power of collaboration between architects, engineers, builders, and developers like Lendlease. It represents a significant milestone in Sydney’s urban development, blending modern architecture with functional design to create a space that will serve the city for generations to come.

The station’s design, construction, and impact on the surrounding area make it a fascinating subject to document, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to capture its essence through my work as a Sydney photographer. As Sydney continues to grow and evolve, Victoria Cross station will stand as a symbol of the city’s commitment to modernity, connectivity, and thoughtful urban design. Through my images, I hope to contribute to the visual narrative of this remarkable project and share the story of a station that will shape the future of North Sydney for years to come.