Town Hall Railway Station: 'Air Raid Shelter' sign

World War II sign

As part of the refurbishment of Town Hall Station, a World War II sign was discovered during repainting works. The project team carefully peeled away layers of paint to reveal the historic sign located on the staircase from concourse level.

The sign would have been used to direct people to the lower platforms and railway tunnels 4 and 5, which had been constructed when the station opened in 1932, however were not used for railway operations until the 1970s. There is some photographic and historic evidence that describes Sydney's underground stations being used as air raid shelters, however there is little physical evidence.

The discovery of the sign indicated that the tunnels at Town Hall were ready for use as air raid shelters for protection against enemy attack during WWII. The Town Hall air raid shelter sign is the only one known to have survived 75 years in an operational station context.

The sign is substantially complete, retaining its colours and lettering. It is now conserved behind a perspex screen for display to the thousands of commuters who pass through the station everyday.

Highly commended in the 21st annual National Trust Heritage Awards

Highly commended in the National Trust of Australia NSW 2015 Heritage Awards.

The Minister of Environment and Heritage, the Hon. Mark Speakman MP, opened the 21st annual National Trust Heritage Awards on 13 May 2015. The awards celebrate and promote excellence in heritage projects across NSW.

At the 2015 awards, Sydney Trains' conservation of the Town Hall Air Raid Shelter was recognised with a highly commended award under the 'Conservation Objects and Interiors' category.