THE Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (TIDC) has signed one of NSW’s biggest public-private partnerships, a consortium comprising design and construct contractor Barclay Mowlem Construction , developer CRI Australia, and financier Commonwealth Bank, to develop the Chatswood Transport Interchange (CTI) development.

The $361 million project involves the design and construction of a new railway station with two new island platforms and commuter concourses, an upgraded bus interchange and taxi ranks, basement car parking for 505 cars, 10,000m2 of convenience-based retail and three future residential towers accommodating more than 500 apartments.

It will also include new trackwork to accommodate the new Epping to Chatswood rail line, as well as maintaining public access and usage of the main North Shore line throughout the project. Barclay Mowlem’s Building NSW general manager, Mike Frost, confirmed the preliminary works, which commenced in January this year, are nearing completion.

Barclay Mowlem was appointed to undertake the early works after the consortium was awarded the $16.8 million early works contract at the start of 2005.

Main works for the developments $160 million first phase, consisting of the integrated construction works for the station, bus interchange, retail centre and public areas was expected to commence last month with completion end of 2007.

The project is Barclay Mowlem’s largest in NSW and the scope of works will combine the company’s construction, civil and rail business groups.