kids encyclopedia robot

Canterbury railway station, Sydney facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Canterbury
Sydney Trains commuter rail
T3 Bankstown line
Canterbury railway station 20180418 02.jpg
View from Platform 1 in 2018
Location Canterbury Road, Canterbury
Australia
Coordinates 33°54′43″S 151°07′06″E / 33.911877°S 151.118347°E / -33.911877; 151.118347
Elevation 13 metres (43 ft)
Owned by Transport Asset Holding Entity
Operated by Sydney Trains
Line(s) Bankstown
Distance 10.16 km (6.31 mi) from Central
Platforms 2 side
Tracks 4
Connections Bus
Construction
Structure type Ground
Platform levels 1
Parking Onstreet parking only
Bicycle facilities Bike Locker available
Disabled access No
Other information
Status Staffed
Station code CTB
Website Transport for NSW
History
Opened 1 February 1895
Electrified 1926
Traffic
Passengers (2018) 6,150 (daily) (Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink)
Services
Preceding station TfNSW T.png Sydney Trains Following station
Campsie
toward Lidcombe or Liverpool
 TfNSW T3.svg Bankstown Line Hurlstone Park
toward City Circle
Future service
Preceding station TfNSW M.svg Sydney Metro Following station
Campsie
toward Bankstown
 M1 Metro North West Line Hurlstone Park
toward Tallawong
Official name Canterbury Railway Station group
Type State heritage (complex / group)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 1109
Type Railway Platform/ Station
Category Transport - Rail
Builders J. J. Scouller
Location
Canterbury is located in Sydney
Canterbury
Canterbury
Location in Sydney

Canterbury railway station is a historic train station in Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the Bankstown line and is served by Sydney Trains T3 Bankstown line services. The station was designed by the New South Wales Government Railways and built between 1895 and 1915. It's also known as the Canterbury Railway Station group. Because of its history and design, the station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999. This means it's an important place to protect for future generations.

History of Canterbury Station

SLNSW 796184 Railway station Canterbury
Canterbury railway station in the early 1900s.

Canterbury station opened on February 1, 1895. It was part of a new railway line built from Sydenham to Belmore. This line was planned to help ease train traffic on another busy line. It also aimed to encourage farming and new towns to grow.

The most important stations on this new line, like Canterbury, Belmore, and Marrickville, were built with impressive brick buildings. Other smaller stations had simpler wooden buildings at first. The railway line was later extended to Bankstown in 1909. This helped connect more growing suburbs.

Goods Line and Signal Box

In 1915, Canterbury Station was made bigger. This was because a new Metropolitan Goods line was being built nearby. This goods line was for freight trains, not passengers.

Next to the station, there are two tracks that are part of the goods line. One of these tracks used to have a platform for special trains. These trains were used for people going to the Canterbury Park Racecourse.

The Canterbury signal box was also built in 1915. A signal box is a building where railway workers control train movements. They use levers to change signals and tracks. This signal box helped control trains on both the passenger line and the goods line.

The signal box was updated over the years with new sections added in 1937 and 1968. However, it was closed down in 1996. The railway authorities decided to keep it exactly as it was when it closed. This helps preserve its history and shows how train signals used to work. Now, signals at Canterbury are controlled from a different location.

Train Services

Canterbury is a local station. This means that most express trains usually don't stop here. However, some trains during busy morning hours do stop at Canterbury.

Platforms and Connections

The station has two platforms:

  • Platform 1: For trains heading towards Central and the City Circle (Sydney's city train loop).
  • Platform 2: For trains heading towards Lidcombe and Liverpool via Bankstown.

Station Buildings and Features

Canterbury Station has several important parts. These include two main platform buildings, an overhead booking office, and a signal box. There are also canopies, an overbridge, and a footbridge.

Platform Buildings

  • Platform 1 Building (1895): This building is made of different coloured bricks. It has a sloped roof and a covered area (awning) that sticks out. The building has old-style windows with coloured glass. Inside, it used to have a booking office and waiting rooms. These areas are now closed to the public.
  • Platform 2 Building (1915): This building is also made of brick with a sloped roof and an awning. It's a bit simpler than the Platform 1 building. It used to have waiting rooms and toilets. The waiting rooms still have their original ceilings.

Other Structures

  • Overhead Booking Office: This is the main office where you can buy tickets. It's a newer building from the late 1980s. It also has a small shop.
  • Signal Box (1915): This two-story wooden building is next to the tracks. It has sliding windows on the top floor. Inside, it used to hold the levers and equipment for controlling train signals. It's kept in its original state to show how old signalling systems worked.
  • Platforms: Both platforms have an asphalt surface. They still have their original brick edges.
  • Footbridge (1915): This bridge helps people cross over the tracks. It has been updated over the years with a new floor and railings.
  • Overbridge (around 1917): This bridge carries Canterbury Road over the railway tracks. It's made of steel and brick.
  • Canopies: These are new steel and metal roofs added in the late 1980s. They cover the stairs and parts of the platforms.

Condition of the Station

Most parts of the station are in good condition. The old platform buildings still have many of their original features. The signal box is especially well-preserved. When it closed in 1996, it was sealed to keep all its old equipment safe. This makes it a great example of early 1900s railway technology.

Transport Connections

Canterbury station is a hub for local buses. Several bus routes stop here, connecting the station to other parts of Sydney.

  • From Broughton Street Terminus:
    • 428: To Martin Place
    • L28: To Martin Place (limited stops, only during busy times)
    • 487: To Bankstown Central Shopping Centre
  • From Canterbury Road stop:

Canterbury station is also served by one NightRide bus route:

  • N40: From East Hills station to City (Town Hall)

Why Canterbury Station is Important

Canterbury Railway Station is important for several reasons:

  • Historical Significance: It shows how railways helped Sydney grow in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Platform 1 building shows the change in railway building design during that time. The signal box also shows how train signalling technology developed.
  • Design and Beauty: The Platform 1 building is a great example of the beautiful design of railway buildings from before 1900. It has special brickwork and decorations. It's similar to other important stations like Marrickville and Belmore.
  • Learning Opportunity: The signal box is still in its "as working" condition. This means it can teach us a lot about how old railway signalling systems operated.
  • Community Connection: The station helps connect the local community to its past and history.
  • Rarity: The design of the signal box building is quite rare in the Sydney area.

The station was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.

Images for kids

  • Canterbury Station, Sydney

    Canterbury Station in 2020

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Canterbury railway station, Sydney Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.