Final contract awarded for Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport project

The third major contract on New South Wales’ biggest infrastructure project to date has been awarded and the State Government is gearing up for more works on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line. 

The Parklife Metro consortium has been appointed to deliver the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) package of works following a highly competitive tendering phase. 

The consortium is made up of global as well as local industry experts including RATP Dev (whose parent company operates Paris Metro), Plenary Origination, Webuild, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria. 

“The NSW Government is delivering metro services to this key growth area in order to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Greater Western Sydney. 

“World-class metro services will be a game-changer for Sydney’s Greater West in every sense and this final contract is key to making that a reality. 

“The SSTOM contract has the largest scope of any Sydney Metro contract awarded to date, and is the largest Public Private Partnership contract awarded in New South Wales,” NSW Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney Minister David Elliott said. 

Under their contract, Parklife Metro will undertake the construction of all six metro stations between St Marys and the new Aerotropolis. The consortium will also be responsible for the operation of the new Western Sydney Airport line for 15 years once it is up and running. 

The six new metro stations are located at: 

• St Marys, interchanging with the existing suburban railway station and connecting customers with the rest of Sydney’s rail system 
• Orchard Hills, to service a future commercial and mixed-use precinct 
• Luddenham, to service a future education, innovation and commercial precinct 
• Two stations within the airport site, at the airport terminal and at the airport business park 
• The commercial heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis (the area proposed to be named Bradfield) 

Other works to be delivered by the consortium will include building a stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills along with the provision of rail infrastructure and systems for the supply, commissioning and operations of a fleet of 12 new metro trains. 

The total project cost for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is estimated to be $11 billion. 

Project alignment (source: Sydney Metro)

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are working together to deliver the city-shaping project that will coincide with the opening of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026. 

The awarding of the third and final contract builds on another significant milestone for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, with the project being declared as the first rail infrastructure development in Australian history to commit to being certified carbon-neutral from the beginning of construction through to its operation. 

Carbon emissions generated during the project’s construction and operational phases will be reduced and offset. 

“The Australian Government is committed to delivering vital infrastructure for Western Sydney as part of a genuine partnership between levels of government that will enhance liveability, and support the growth of industry and enterprise. 

“Having the project certified carbon neutral from construction to operation is a huge tick as the Albanese Government works towards emission reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030, and net zero by 2050. 

“I’m proud we’re helping to shape the future of this vibrant and growing region,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The entire project is already seeing a lot of activity getting underway, including preparation works at the future Aerotropolis Station for tunnelling from the airport to the Aerotropolis site. Tunnelling works are due to commence in the first half of 2023. 

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project is anticipated to provide a major economic boost for the region through the creation of more than 14,000 jobs during its construction. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Sydney Metro (1, 2)