1987: Tunnel vision making us 'rats' (The Sun Article)

In 2016, I posted the entry Underground Sydney which focused on the development of an underground network of pedestrian walkways to connect retail complexes in central Sydney with major rail stations such as Town Hall. 

   

Source: Trembath, M. 1987. "Tunnel Vision Making Us 'Rats'". The Sun, June 22:2. 

While this plan was largely fufilled, the underground walkway in Hyde Park did not eventuate to allow for a person to walk unimpeded from The Domain carpark to Town Hall Railway Station.

NSW Opposition Leader Nick Greiner was concerned that people would become "tunnel rats" and lose the opportunity to enjoy the "magnificent weather". However, I think anyone who would use the network of pedestrian tunnels, does so out of convenience. I do for instance. 

As I pointed out in 2016, any negative impact would be on foot traffic at street level, though the opening of the Sydney CBD light rail line in 2019 has resulted in the closure of George Street to private vehicles and buses from Bathurst to Hunter Street allowing for pedestrians to utilise the street. George Street was already experincing a revival prior to its opening as high end retailers begun to make their present felt at street level.