Atop the Cross - William Street

Here we are atop the Kings Cross tunnel looking south at the old fire station. This is the point where Darlinghurst Road and Victoria St cross over (in the form of a x). A whole swag of this land was 'given' to the first NSW Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell for services rendered. By all accounts a most vengeful and vindictive chap.


Can you just see the fire-station above the tram in the LH image? Both images taken in the late 50s, the second shows the view back up William St from the city proper, about a kilometre. Of course, I am ignoring the elephant in the room: the giant neon Coke sign.


Comparison of two maps: then (1950s)and now. See the tram lines through the centre of William St. Many of those LH buildings down WIlliam Street have been demolished.

View Larger Map

And finally, from beneath the Coke sign, looking west from Kings Cross to the city proper.

X-estrian roulette

This is the intersection of George & Bathurst Streets in the centre of the city early on a Monday morning, although the morning peak has ebbed. This intersection, and the intersection at the corner of Park & Pitt Streets are helping the City Council with research into pedestrian behaviour.

The number countdown is a new innovation (Hah!). Apparently, pedestrians nip across whenever the feeling takes them. Really! I never noticed. Duh! Now they will know they only have 9 or fewer seconds before Donne's bell tolls for them.

Fearless prediction: I bet it excites behaviour rather than quells it.