CNC-profiled curved sandstone cladding at Napoleon Plaza, Wynyard Walk, Sydney. Supplied by Gosford Quarries in Piles Creek Cream and installed by Sam the Paving Man.
Wynyard Walk – Sandstone Infrastructure That Connects a City
- Category: Civic | Public Infrastructure | Urban Transport
- Location: Sydney CBD, NSW
- Client: Transport for NSW
- Architect: Woods Bagot
- Engineer: Aurecon
- Builder: CPB Contractors (formerly Leighton Contractors)
- Sandstone Installer: Sam The Paving Man
- Stone Supplier: Gosford Quarries
- Sandstone Colour Range: Piles Creek Cream Sandstone
- Sandstone Applications: Tunnel cladding, façade feature walls, paving, structural integration
Key Outcomes
Delivered a high-volume pedestrian corridor handling 20,000+ people per hour
Blended modern infrastructure with Sydney’s sandstone civic heritage
Used locally quarried stone for structural performance, visual continuity, and reduced carbon footprint
Created a precedent for future sandstone use in transport and public realm design
Curved sandstone tunnel wall at Wynyard Walk, Sydney. Installed by Sam the Paving Man using precision pin-fix methods and supplied by Gosford Quarries in Piles Creek Cream sandstone colour range.
A Benchmark for Civic Design and Urban Connectivity
Wynyard Walk is more than a transport corridor – it is a benchmark for world-class pedestrian infrastructure, redefining how Sydney integrates accessibility, sustainability, and architectural continuity in civic design.
This $306 million infrastructure project, delivered by Transport for NSW in 2016, connects Wynyard Station to Barangaroo, enabling a safe, efficient, and seamless commuter experience.
This case study explores how Gosford Quarries’ Piles Creek Cream sandstone played a pivotal role in:
✔ Engineering a durable, long-lasting transport corridor that withstands decades of high foot traffic.
✔ Honouring Sydney’s civic identity by matching the city’s sandstone-built heritage.
✔ Delivering precision-crafted stone finishes, balancing heritage character with modern infrastructure.
✔ Setting a precedent for integrating sandstone into future urban developments.
Urban Vision: Seamless Connectivity Meets Sydney Identity
Wynyard Walk is one of Sydney’s most significant civic infrastructure projects – a 180-metre underground pedestrian tunnel that links Wynyard Station with Barangaroo. Handling up to 20,000 pedestrians per hour during peak times, it’s more than a thoroughfare – it’s a statement in urban design, material continuity, and long-term city-making.
The $306 million project addressed the challenge of building beneath a densely layered commercial and heritage precinct while maintaining visual continuity with the city’s sandstone-built legacy.
Urban Challenges: Engineering a High-Volume Pedestrian Link in Sydney’s CBD
Building Infrastructure Beneath a Dense Commercial and Heritage District
Wynyard Walk required the excavation of a 180-metre pedestrian tunnel beneath Clarence and Margaret Streets in a heavily constrained CBD environment. The project also included:
- A multi-level entry building on Clarence Street.
- A pedestrian bridge spanning Sussex Street provides a direct link to Barangaroo.
- A fully accessible, weather-protected walkway, designed to handle up to 20,000 pedestrians per hour during peak times
Balancing Engineering Complexity with Architectural Elegance
With tens of thousands of daily commuters, Wynyard Walk had to be robust enough to endure decades of heavy foot traffic, vibrations from underground trains, and Sydney’s humid coastal climate. It also needed to:
- Integrate visually and structurally with existing sandstone-clad civic infrastructure.
- Enhance pedestrian safety with non-slip, high-durability surfaces.
- Align with Sydney’s long-term urban sustainability goals.
Gosford Quarries’ Piles Creek Cream sandstone was chosen for its structural resilience, slip resistance, and aesthetic continuity with Sydney’s sandstone heritage.
Multi-tiered façade cladding in Piles Creek Cream sandstone at Napoleon Plaza, Wynyard Walk. Supplied by Gosford Quarries and installed by Sam the Paving Man. Public art visible above with Clarence Street tower backdrop.
The Role of Gosford Quarries in Wynyard Walk
1. Selecting the Perfect Stone: Piles Creek Cream Sandstone
The selection of Piles Creek Cream Sandstone Colour Range was crucial to achieving a cohesive design language across Wynyard Walk. This stone was chosen for its:
- Soft Cream-buff oxidising colour, blending seamlessly with Sydney’s existing sandstone architecture.
- Fine-grain and uniform composition provide a smooth, modern aesthetic while retaining its natural integrity.
- Durability in high-use environments, ensuring long-term performance in an area with heavy pedestrian traffic
By sourcing stone from Gosford Quarries’ local reserves, the project maintained Sydney’s authentic architectural DNA, reinforcing sandstone’s role in the city’s past, present, and future civic spaces.
2. Engineering and Craftsmanship: Custom Finishes for a World-Class Walkway
The sandstone used in Wynyard Walk required precise cutting, finishing, and installation techniques to ensure it could:
✔ Match the tunnel’s modern, curved architectural lines.
✔ Provide long-term durability in a high-traffic public setting.
✔ Enhance the project’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Gosford Quarries supplied precision-cut sandstone panels, finished with:
- Diamond-sawn and honed surfaces ensure a refined, slip-resistant texture.
- Custom curved and angled cladding is manufactured using CNC technology to fit seamlessly within the tunnel’s contours.
- Boasted edges and rock-faced elements are applied selectively to maintain a natural aesthetic where needed.
The ability to execute custom sandstone designs at scale positioned Gosford Quarries as the preferred supplier for high-profile civic projects like Wynyard Walk.
3. Sustainable and Locally Sourced Civic Infrastructure
Gosford Quarries’ sandstone enhances Sydney’s urban landscape and supports sustainability goals in public infrastructure projects.
✔ Minimising Transport Emissions
- By sourcing locally quarried sandstone, Wynyard Walk reduced the carbon footprint associated with imported stone alternatives.
✔ Supporting Circular Economy Practices
- Sandstone can be reclaimed, repurposed, and restored, reducing landfill waste compared to composite materials.
✔ Longevity Reduces Environmental Impact
- Unlike concrete and synthetic materials, sandstone requires minimal maintenance, making it a low-impact choice for long-term civic planning.
By choosing natural Australian sandstone, Wynyard Walk aligns with Sydney’s broader sustainability objectives, ensuring the city remains both functional and environmentally responsible.
CNC profiled curved sandstone wall at Wynyard Walk’s Napoleon Plaza, Sydney. Installed by Sam the Paving Man using custom pin-fix methods and supplied by Gosford Quarries in Piles Creek Cream sandstone colour range.
🧠 Architectural Commentary
Urban Legacy Meets Material Clarity
Wynyard Walk demanded more than structural resilience; it required visual continuity with Sydney’s civic character. By selecting Piles Creek Cream sandstone, the project bridges old and new, reinforcing the sandstone’s position as a historical material and a contemporary infrastructure asset. The subtle oxidising tone and tight grain offered a modern finish that still echoes Sydney’s sandstone DNA, elevating the pedestrian experience with warmth, identity, and tactility.
📌 Material Insight
Bespoke Sandstone for Modern Commercial Design
- Piles Creek Cream was selected for its durability under extreme foot traffic, urban vibrations, and humidity exposure.
- Slip-resistance was critical for commuter safety – honed and sawn finishes delivered compliance and refinement.
- Custom CNC profiling allowed sandstone panels to align precisely with the walkway’s curved geometry, reducing onsite cutting and improving finish consistency.
Sourcing locally avoided the tonal mismatch familiar with imported stone and aligned with heritage retention requirements in the Sydney CBD.
💡 Execution Tip
- ✔ When specifying sandstone for underground or enclosed transit spaces, prioritise low-porosity, slip-resistant finishes like sawn or honed for safety and surface control.
✔ For curved surfaces or multi-level transitions, engage suppliers with CNC shaping capacity early to minimise fabrication risk.
✔ Match sandstone cladding with adjacent historic or civic materiality by reviewing whole slab samples onsite – avoid relying solely on brochure swatches.
✔ Consider sandstone part of a civic sustainability strategy – its longevity reduces future remediation and supports circular economy principles.
“The installation of the curved Gosford Quarries sandstone wall required advanced expertise due to the weight and curved design of the sandstone blocks.
Specialised pin-fixing methods were employed to ensure each stone was securely anchored, crucial for maintaining safety and stability.
The wall’s curvature added complexity, as every block had to fit precisely within the arc to preserve structural integrity.
This careful approach not only guaranteed safety but highlighted the craftsmanship involved in handling such a challenging design..”
https://samthepavingman.com.au/projects/napoleon-plaza-wynyard-walk-project/
CNC profiled curved sandstone wall at Wynyard Walk’s Napoleon Plaza, Sydney. Installed by Sam the Paving Man using custom pin-fix methods and supplied by Gosford Quarries in Piles Creek Cream sandstone colour range.
Want to see your ideas come to life? Contact our team to explore how sandstone can refine your project.
Gosford Quarries: Australia’s Trusted Partner in Bespoke Commercial & Civil Sandstone Supply
For commercial projects that demand design precision, material integrity, and delivery at scale, Gosford Quarries remains Australia’s leading sandstone supplier and a trusted collaborator with architects, builders, and developers nationwide.
From heritage façades to cutting-edge redevelopments like Harbord Diggers, Gosford Quarries supports ambitious architectural outcomes with:
✅ Bespoke Cladding & Profiling Capabilities
- CNC profiling and advanced shaping technologies allow for fully customised design applications – limited only by imagination.
- Multiple finishes and form factors (honed, sawn, curved, fluted) tailored to suit architectural vision and performance needs.
✅ Supply at Commercial Scale
- Nationwide logistics, significant stock reserves, and high-volume output capacity mean timely delivery without compromise.
✅ Architectural Consultation
- GQ offers pre-specification advice, facade system support and construction-phase collaboration, helping architects design with sandstone and execute it brilliantly.
CNC-profiled curved sandstone wall inside Wynyard Walk tunnel, Sydney. View on descent. Supplied by Gosford Quarries in Piles Creek Cream and installed by Sam the Paving Man.
Why It Matters – The Role of Sandstone in Meaningful Redevelopment
Wynyard Walk isn’t just a pedestrian link; it’s a city-making gesture. At the heart of its design lies sandstone: grounding the structure, softening the architecture, and echoing Sydney’s deep geological and civic identity.
Natural stone does more than endure. In civic infrastructure, it roots the present to place, connects people to legacy, and elevates the everyday. When shaped with precision and installed with purpose, sandstone becomes more than a material, it becomes a message.
Gosford Quarries’ sandstone helped shape this transformation: structurally, symbolically, and sustainably.
📞 Book a consultation with our sandstone experts today and ensure your project is set up for success from day one. Call (02) 8585 8282.
External sandstone wall cladding in Piles Creek Cream sandstone at Napoleon Plaza, Wynyard Walk. Supplied by Gosford Quarries and installed by Sam the Paving Man
KEY STAKEHOLDERS FOR THIS PROJECT
Client Profile: Transport for NSW
Company Overview
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is the New South Wales Government’s lead transport agency, responsible for planning, strategy, delivery and operation of the state’s transport infrastructure and services. With a future-focused strategy, TfNSW is committed to designing a transport network that is sustainable, accessible, and integrated across modes.
Notable Projects
- Sydney Metro (Northwest, City & Southwest)
- Parramatta Light Rail
- Western Harbour Tunnel
- George Street pedestrianisation and light rail
Contribution to Wynyard Walk
Transport for NSW commissioned Wynyard Walk to meet the growing demand for direct pedestrian access between Wynyard Station and the emerging Barangaroo precinct. Their leadership ensured:
- Civic integration with long-term urban strategy
- Compliance with accessibility and sustainability benchmarks
- Coordination between design, engineering, and public realm teams
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Contact Information
Website: transport.nsw.gov.au
Architect Profile: Woods Bagot
Company Overview
Woods Bagot is a global architectural and consulting practice with studios in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Known for blending strategic thinking with design excellence, the firm operates across civic, transport, education and commercial sectors.
Notable Projects
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide
- Perth Airport Terminal 1 International Expansion
- Sydney Convention Centre Redevelopment
- Monash University Learning & Teaching Building
Contribution to Wynyard Walk
Woods Bagot led the architectural design of Wynyard Walk, delivering:
- A streamlined, minimalist pedestrian experience
- The sandstone material specification aligned with Sydney’s civic identity
- Integration of light, texture, and form for human-scaled transit space
Woods Bagot Contact Information
Website: woodsbagot.com
Engineer Profile: Aurecon
Company Overview
Aurecon is a global engineering, design, and advisory company, specialising in major infrastructure, urban development and transport networks. Known for its future-focused, multidisciplinary approach, Aurecon delivers complex technical projects with innovation and resilience at their core.
Notable Projects
- Cross River Rail, Brisbane
- Western Sydney Airport
- Melbourne Metro Tunnel
- Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch
Contribution to Wynyard Walk
Aurecon handled the full civil and structural engineering scope, including:
- Tunnel alignment and structural integrity within a dense CBD footprint
- Drainage, ventilation and long-term infrastructure planning
- Integration of architectural finishes with infrastructure elements
Aurecon Contact Information
- Website: aurecongroup.com
Builder Profile: CPB Contractors (formerly Leighton Contractors)
Company Overview
CPB Contractors, a subsidiary of CIMIC Group, is one of Australia’s largest and most experienced tier-one construction companies. The firm delivers major infrastructure across transport, resources, education, health and defence – known for its capability to manage high-risk, high-complexity projects.
Notable Projects
- Sydney Metro City & Southwest
- WestConnex
- Royal North Shore Hospital Redevelopment
- Melbourne Airport Rail
Contribution to Wynyard Walk
CPB Contractors managed all construction activities, including:
- Excavation and tunnelling under live CBD conditions
- Structural fit-out and architectural detailing
- Precision installation of sandstone supplied by Gosford Quarries
CPB Contractors Contact Information
Website: cpbcon.com.au
Sandstone Installer: Sam The Paving Man
Company Overview
Sam the Paving Man is one of Australia’s most trusted names in premium paving and urban hardscaping. With over 40 years of industry experience, the company has delivered transformative results on some of Sydney’s most iconic civic and commercial projects, including the Sydney Opera House surrounds, Pitt Street Mall, Darling Square, Barangaroo, and Sydney Olympic Park.
Founded in 1985 by Sam Harb and his partner Annette, the business began as a small, hands-on operation fuelled by passion and resilience. From its humble beginnings distributing flyers by hand, Sam the Paving Man has grown into a nationally recognised contractor known for precision workmanship, innovative paving solutions, and landmark-scale capabilities.
Core Services
- Natural stone paving and installation
- Complex civic hardscapes
- Custom stone fabrication and façade cladding
- End-to-end project delivery from prep to final finish
- In-house supply through sister brands: Melocco Stone, Granites of Australia, Tillett Stone, and Galet
Specialist Role on Wynyard Walk
Sam the Paving Man was entrusted with the expert installation of curved sandstone walls and heavy stone elements at Napoleon Plaza, part of the Wynyard Walk tunnel precinct. This involved pin-fixing high-mass Gosford Quarries sandstone units with millimetre precision, aligning with the tunnel’s architectural flow while maintaining long-term structural integrity.
Their experience in complex civic-grade installations and commitment to on-site excellence made them the ideal partner for this high-footfall, high-visibility public infrastructure project.
Certifications & Standards
- ISO 9001:2016 – Quality Management
- ISO 14001:2016 – Environmental Management
- ISO 45001:2018 – Work Health & Safety
- NSW Government WHS Accreditation
- Integrated Management System (IMS) with documented continuous improvement
Why They Matter to Civic Projects
Sam the Paving Man’s legacy is grounded in more than stone; it’s in the creation of enduring public spaces. Their work doesn’t just meet spec; it helps define the tactile and visual identity of cities. With a 200-strong team and access to Australia’s most respected stone brands, the company continues to deliver complex civic infrastructure that performs for generations.
Website: https://samthepavingman.com.au/