Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport

Marking a generational milestone in Sydney’s urban development, Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport exemplifies how research-led design can respect First Nations Australians and the concept of Country while facilitating a dynamic future.

Home to a proudly diverse population of more than two million people, Western Sydney is on the cusp of a significant transformation. With a world-class international airport and Australia’s first new city in 100 years under development, the new Aerotropolis region is poised to become a thriving economic centre.

We are proud to be leading the design for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, the critical transport infrastructure that will service and catalyse growth for this new region. Together with Webuild, the Parklife Metro Consortium will deliver the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance works package for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project.

The project includes six new stations and a stabling and maintenance facility, all connected by a 23-kilometre corridor of restored Cumberland Plain landscape — part of the largest native ecology restoration program ever undertaken by Sydney Metro. It’s also the first rail infrastructure initiative in Australia to commit to carbon neutrality from construction through to operation.

The project presents a rare opportunity to shape the culture of a new city from the ground up — by putting public transport first, before housing, roads, and other infrastructure. By doing so, we’re making sustainable travel the default: central, seamless, and more appealing than driving. It’s a bold step that encourages people to choose movement that supports both community wellbeing and environmental health

To support the aspirations to create a highly liveable community in Greater Sydney’s Western Parkland City, this project is committed to supporting species biodiversity, prioritising high quality public spaces, and managing resources responsibly. It is the first rail infrastructure project in Australia to commit to being carbon neutral from construction through to operation.

Our comprehensive approach, encompassing urban design, landscape architecture, architecture and interior design, will set a new benchmark for Sydney’s transport network and exceed expectations when it comes to delivering spaces for communities to use and enjoy. 

From the very outset, the designs for this city-shaping project are embedded in a deep engagement with First Nations Dharug Country narratives, respecting the cultural significance of the land they traverse. Research began with an extensive exploration of the Cumberland Plain, known as Wianamatta by the Dharug People and characterised by long views to the horizon, vast skies and a land shaped by ephemeral creek systems. This research distilled into a guiding design narrative — ​‘carved earth connected to big sky’ — informed every subsequent design decision.

The concept of ​‘carved earth connected to big sky’ filters into all station designs. Underground stations are designed to reflect a ​‘carving’ of the earth represented through singular material and colour palettes, paired with striking six-metre-diameter oculus skylights, connecting one to the ​‘big sky’ above. Above ground, the stations offer a contemporary interpretation on a simple traditional country station.

Our design team created each of the six stations to contribute to, rather than compete with, their surroundings. In collaboration with Sydney Metro’s Connecting with Country Working Group and First Nations design agency Djinjama, we researched contextual cultural heritage, geology, flora and fauna to inform a story that’s unique to each station based on its geographical location and history. Stories allocated to each station include people, water, earth, plants and animals, air and sky, fire and earth.

“Our approach extends beyond technical design excellence; we are creating spaces that acknowledge and respect the cultural heritage of Dharug Country.”

Glenn Scott, Hassell Principal