Dulwich Hill Station has offered Sydneysiders a first look at its transformation ahead of the expected opening of the Sydney Metro Southwest line later this year.

Hundreds attended a community open day on Sunday, nearly two years after Dulwich Hill and nine other stations along the southwest corridor closed for the conversion of the 13-kilometre M1 extension. The event featured free family activities, cultural performances, sustainable arts and crafts, storytime, interactive project displays and bike tune-ups.

The Hellenic Lyceum Sydney was among the community groups taking part in the celebrations, showcasing Greek culture and traditional dance as part of the day’s cultural program.

The upgraded station includes platform screen doors, improved accessibility, new entrances, upgraded canopies, enhanced customer information systems and a covered concourse with lifts and stairs. Public artwork inspired by the local area has also been installed.

For commuters, the biggest change will be the return of rail services and the end of replacement buses. About 9500 passengers are expected to use the line during the morning peak.

South Marrickville resident Sophie Duxson, who has relied on replacement buses for almost two years, said: “We’ve been waiting for years.”

“Look, the buses have actually been really well managed and everyone loves our local metro lady at this stop. She is so lovely. She feeds everyone’s dogs. They’ve been some of the best rail replacement buses I’ve dealt with, to be honest. But we’re still over it. It’s been almost two years.”

The station’s conversion was among the more challenging on the line because of its curved tracks and location alongside the freight rail corridor. Project director Alia Karaman said commuters should not expect “cathedrals”, while acting metro chief executive Hugh Lawson said preserving the character of the suburban stations was a priority.

“They are what people need. They’re in the right setting. The community wanted to retain the heritage features so we’ve worked hard to do that,” Lawson said.

The line will eventually allow passengers to travel from Dulwich Hill to Victoria Cross in about 21 minutes. Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen said the new connection would transform travel across Sydney’s southwest.

“We already saw people taking food tours on the city metro. Wait until we open south-west,” she said. “You’ll be able to jump on at Vic Square [in North Sydney] and have dinner in Lakemba or Punchbowl.”

“We’re going to be in the city in the flash of an eye. It’s going to be incredible. I’m excited. My kids are excited.”

The government has not confirmed an opening date, although mid-October is considered likely. Final testing is underway, including emergency response exercises involving NSW Police and Fire and Rescue.

Source: Greekherald.com.au