Randwick City Council has released its proposed alternative light rail interchange location, which would see it move from High Cross Park to High Street Randwick, protecting the park's 90-year-old war memorial, more than 30 trees, and existing parking surrounding streets.

Council is asking Transport for NSW to consider the alternative proposal which has been extensively analysed by a Council Working Party. It would see the tram lines end on the eastern side of High Street merging into one single platform at the top of the street, avoiding the need to cross the Avoca Street intersection or disturb the park space.

Randwick Mayor Ted Seng said:

"Our alternative proposal complements the State Government's vision to improve public transport and create a quality customer experience. 

"The High Street alternative provides a solution that is better integrated with the Randwick Junction town centre. The terminus and bus drop off and pick up zones allow users to take advantage of the shopping facilities and the improved public spaces while waiting or moving between the bus and tram.

"The proposal is also surrounded by businesses and the hospital which provides tram users with a more live and safe experience with greater surveillance."

"There is also potential to create a new urban plaza connected with the historic caretakers cottage on the Prince of Wales Hospital land on the corner of High and Avoca Street, which would provide a direct walking path to the trams for passengers arriving on buses.

"The inconvenience associated with carrying out works on the Avoca Street/Belmore Road intersection is also avoided with this proposal, as well as cost saving from not having to build across this intersection and down to Belmore Road, as well as the works around High Cross Park necessary to build the approved terminus and interchange."

Council's proposal means there will be one eastbound traffic lane only between Clara and Avoca Streets. Currently, Transport for NSW has approval to construct the Light Rail through High Street and up to an interchange at High Cross Park. 

Council's consultant estimates this option would save the State Government upto $25 million. Construction of the $2.2 billion light rail project is due to begin later this year, with completion by 2019.

Check out the alternative High Street terminus map.

Latest information on the construction of light rail in Randwick City:
http://www.sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/latest/current-works