How a long-gone rail line – from escarpment to Belmore Basin – shaped Wollongong
The article discusses how a rail line that no longer exists played a significant role in shaping the city of Wollongong in Australia. The rail line, which ran from the escarpment to Belmore Basin, was in operation until its closure in the mid-1960s.
One notable impact of the rail line’s existence is seen in the architectural layout of buildings in the area. Prior to the 1970s, the corridor where the rail line once stood remained largely undeveloped. However, as buildings began to be constructed in this space, their design had to accommodate the unique shape of the corridor. The elongated and narrow nature of the corridor meant that apartments had to be built in an east-west alignment, deviating from the traditional north-south approach seen in surrounding suburban blocks.
This architectural adaptation was a result of the constraints imposed by the rail line’s former path. Instead of conforming to the existing urban grid, developers had to work with the available space and align buildings accordingly. As a result, the development of this corridor created a distinct architectural character in Wollongong.
Overall, the article highlights the long-lasting influence of the now-defunct rail line on the physical layout of buildings in Wollongong. The east-west alignment of apartments in the corridor stands as a testament to the historical presence of the rail line and its impact on the city’s urban development.
For more information, you can read the full article here.
