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The prospect of a future train service to the northern beaches is all but sunk because high-rise development over Chatswood railway station failed to leave room for extra rail lines, Willoughby Council says, sending a warning to the state government as it opens Sydney's main rail corridor to developers.

The government said this month it would seek bids from around the world to develop three kilometres of railway corridor from Central Station to Eveleigh, signalling a crop of high-rise towers and structures built over rail lines.

But the project faces serious hurdles, not least concerns that any development could restrict the expansion of Sydney's overworked public transport network.

Manhattan West: New York Rail Corridor.

Manhattan West: New York Rail Corridor.

Willoughby mayor Pat Reilly pointed to the outcome of a $360 million redevelopment of Chatswood station, which began in 2005, including residential towers and a transport interchange.

He said an enclosure built over the rail lines was only wide enough for four tracks, leaving no room for a rail link to the northern beaches should a future government pursue that option.

The only alternative is to tunnel under the existing rail lines, but that would be obstructed by three levels of basement car parking, which have been sold to developers, Cr Reilly said.

Broadgate Tower: Liverpool Street Station, London.

Broadgate Tower: Liverpool Street Station, London.

Residents of Sydney's northern beaches face long bus journeys to the city and a rail line has long been suggested as the answer to the region's transport woes. The O'Farrell government is instead investigating a potential bus rapid transit system from the City to Mona Vale, linking to Chatswood.

However, Cr Reilly said a new bus interchange at Chatswood, part of the station redevelopment, is already over capacity and it is ''unclear'' where extra bus services would be able to stop.

The council's advice to the previous Labor government on problems at Chatswood ''was eroded down to what we have now'', he said.

Vision: NSW has called for expressions of interest for the renewal of the
railway line corridor between Central Station and Eveleigh that has potential to provide thousands of new homes and jobs.

Vision: NSW has called for expressions of interest for the renewal of the railway line corridor between Central Station and Eveleigh that has potential to provide thousands of new homes and jobs. Photo: Supplied

A parliamentary inquiry into building over rail corridors last year warned a lack of strategic planning could have ''unfortunate consequences''. It heard evidence from Transport for NSW that a redevelopment of North Sydney station was hampered by the sale of space above and around the site, which constrained passenger movement between platforms and the concourse.

A spokeswoman for Planning Minister Brad Hazzard said a clear planning framework will be in place ''before any major changes happen'' in the Central Station to Eveleigh project and feedback from industry and the public would be considered.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said existing development near Chatswood station constrained the width of the corridor but it was wide enough to meet future needs, including integration with the north-west rail line.

Source: www.smh.com.au/nsw/high-rises-derail-hopes-of-train-link-to-northern-beaches-mayor-20130728-2qssg.html