First designs for the Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line by Hassell unveiled

Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport is a city-shaping infrastructure project set to transform Australia’s Western Sydney Aerotropolis region.

At its core, the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line is deeply engaged with First Nations Dharug Country narratives, ensuring that the design process respects the cultural significance of the land it traverses.

As part of the Parklife Metro Consortium, composed of Plenary Group, Webuild, RATP Dev and Siemens Mobility, Hassell has been entrusted with the design of this critical infrastructure.

In collaboration with First Nations cultural research and design practice Djinjama, the project’s design research is founded on an extensive exploration of the Cumberland Plain, known as Wianamatta by the Dharug People. Characterised by vast skies meeting the horizon and land shaped by ephemeral creek systems, this exploration has been distilled into a guiding design narrative, ​‘Carved Earth connected to Big Sky,’ which informed every subsequent design decision.

Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport includes six new stations and precincts and a maintenance and operations depot all connected by a 23-kilometre corridor of Cumberland Plain.

Our comprehensive approach, integrating urban design, landscape architecture, architecture and interior design, will set a new benchmark for Sydney’s transport network. It aims to achieve net zero carbon in delivery and operations, 5 Star Green Star Building ratings, and is on track to exceed expectations in delivering spaces for communities to use and enjoy.

By balancing international expertise with a profound respect for and engagement with Country, the new network will reflect the spirit of Wianamatta, the Cumberland Plain and the broader Western Sydney region.

This project not only supports the evolving identity of Sydney’s third centre, Parkland City but also serves as a catalyst for its future growth. Our work on this project exemplifies how thoughtful, research-driven design can respect the past while facilitating a vibrant future, marking a generational milestone in Sydney’s urban development.

Significant construction on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line began in late 2022, with the 9.8 kilometres of tunnelling for the project reaching completion in June 2024.

Currently, efforts are focused on fitting out the tunnels and constructing six new stations along the 23-kilometre route.