THE relocation of stops, the return of parkland and a new pedestrian bridge to make it safer for schoolchildren to cross one of Sydney’s busiest roads are part of design changes made to the $1.6 billion CBD and South East Light Rail.

A rethink on several ­controversial issues came after negative feedback from residents, schools, community groups and government departments.

As part of the formal environmental impact statement process, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure received 480 submissions late last year, many of them critical of some of the proposed light rail stops along the proposed 12km route from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford, via Surry Hills.

In submissions to the EIS, staff and parents from Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls high schools said the safety of students would be put at risk by the location of the Moore Park tram stop. The stop also services the SCG, Sydney Football Stadium and Entertainment Quarter.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said last night the Moore Park stop will be moved further south and ­incorporate a new footbridge over Anzac Pde adjacent to the schools.

“The new bridge is a win for pedestrians and will ­improve safety for the ­students of Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High School ­accessing the Moore Park light rail stop,” she said.

News_Image_File: An artist impression of the Randwick Interchange. Picture: Supplied

This bridge is separate from the $25 million Albert “Tibby” Cotter Walkway over Anzac Pde, announced by Premier Barry O’Farrell a fortnight ago, to be built ­further north.

The Randwick light rail/bus interchange has been redesigned to retain three times more parkland at High Cross Park.

Ms Berejiklian said more green space will be made available and the Randwick district war ­memorial will be preserved in its current location.

Randwick Council and residents had been concerned the interchange was too large and should be moved into High St, closer to the Prince of Wales and Sydney ­Childrens’ hospitals.

Two light rail stops set down for Wansey Rd, at the eastern end of Randwick Racecourse, will now be built in Alison Rd and High St.

Ms Berejiklian said a “significant amount” of existing on-street parking for residents will now be protected.

Last week the government formally invited three ­consortia to tender for the construction and operation of Sydney’s expanded light rail network. Subject to planning approval, construction on light rail will begin this year and take five to six years to complete.