The Bays Turntable

The area between Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station is being transitioned from an asphalt-covered brownfield site to a vital transport hub as part of The Bays Station on the new Sydney Metro West line.

Artefact was commissioned by Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture (AFJV) on behalf of Sydney Metro to develop an Archaeological Research Design and Excavation Methodology (ARD) to guide the excavation and analysis of the site.

Artist's impression courtesy of Sydney Metro. 

OUR
SOLUTION

We undertook a comprehensive historical archaeology program involving site assessments, historical investigation, excavation, documentation, research and analysis.

Key discoveries included:

  • White Bay Roundhouse and Turntable (early 20th-century railway system)
  • Transit Storage Depot (World War II Warehouses)
  • Cooling Water System (Outlet Open Channel from the 1950s)
  • Balmain Coal Loader

The findings underscore White Bay's evolution from a simple cove to a vital intermodal transport hub.


SUCCESS

The process allowed for the discovery of significant historical artefacts and heritage elements which now form part of an important public archive in the form of Artefact’s detailed Excavation Director’s report and a 3D video of the historic 70-foot locomotive turntable.

Our efforts not only mitigated the impact of construction on archaeological finds but also unveiled a fascinating narrative of Sydney’s industrial evolution.

The results of the archaeological program will inform the interpretation and place-making outcomes at the new Sydney Metro station. This fosters a sense of community pride and interest in local history.

“It was a privilege to work on this important transport infrastructure project and help preserve our shared industrial heritage.”

Dr Iain Stuart
Excavation Director, Artefact

Download project sheet

Read story by AFJV.


CONTACT

HOLIDAY CLOSE
Our offices will be closed from Monday 23 Dec 2024 and will re-open on Monday 6 Jan 2025.
For unexpected finds and urgent project enquiries, please contact our Heritage Manager Stephanie Moore at stephanie.moore@artefact.net.au or call 0420 403 581.
For all other enquires please contact our General Manager Martin Edmunds at martin.edmunds@artefact.net.au or call 0404 877 490.
We wish you a peaceful holiday break and look forward to working with you in 2025.

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