A first look at the designs for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport by international design practice Hassell has been revealed, offering the public a glimpse of the city-shaping infrastructure project set to transform the Western Sydney region.

In collaboration with First Nations cultural research and design practice Djinjama, the design process is led by Dharug Country narratives, honouring the cultural significance of the land it traverses. Stories of the Wianamatta region inform the overarching design concept, ‘carved earth connected to big sky’ — reflecting a landscape where vast skies meet earth and seasonal creeks carve the land.

Monumental in scope, the project includes six new stations and precincts, and a maintenance and operations depot, all connected by a 23-kilometre corridor of newly restored Cumberland Plain landscape. The comprehensive approach by Hassell integrates urban design, landscape architecture, architecture and interior design, setting a benchmark for Sydney’s transport network and exceeding expectations for delivering places for communities to use and enjoy.

Glenn Scott, Hassell Principal in Charge, emphasised the importance of integrating Country-led narratives into the design process, “our approach goes beyond technical design excellence; we are creating spaces that reflect and respect the cultural heritage of Dharug Country.”

“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.”

“Hassell’s work on this project exemplifies how thoughtful, research-driven design can respect the past while facilitating a dynamic future, marking a generational milestone in Sydney’s urban development,” Glenn continues: “Through our collaborative efforts with Sydney Metro and Webuild, part of the Parklife Metro Consortium, this project will shape the future of this growing region.”

The designs, now revealed for community consultation, include metro stations at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham and Bradfield, the Stabling and Maintenance Facility, and the Corridor Landscape Master Plan.

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Paul Digby, CEO of Parklife Metro Consortium, highlighted the significance of this project for Western Sydney: “This isn’t just about constructing stations and tunnels; it’s about shaping the future of Greater Western Sydney. Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport will serve as a catalyst for growth, supporting the evolving identity of the region while respecting and celebrating its rich cultural history. This project is a landmark milestone, and we are proud to be part of a team that is setting new standards in infrastructure design.”

With significant construction on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line having begun in late 2022, the project recently reached a major milestone with the completion of 9.8 kilometres of tunnelling in June 2024. Current efforts are focused on fitting out the tunnels and constructing six new stations along the 23-kilometre route, bringing the vision of a connected, culturally resonant transport network closer to reality.

Hassell
hassellstudio.com

Next up: Hassell releases research on hybrid work