THE government of New South Wales (NSW) has awarded four key contracts under the 24km $A 29bn ($US 19.4bn) Sydney Metro West project. The new automated metro line between central Sydney and the western suburb of Parramatta has nine stations and is due to open in 2032.

The four contracts are:

Trains, systems, maintenance and operations

The Metro Trains West consortium led by Hong Kong metro operator MTR and also comprising Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC will be responsible for delivering trains, systems, maintenance and operations (TSMO) for up to 22 years. The contract value is $A 3.96bn.

CRRC will supply 16 driverless metro trains, while the consortium will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the network for 15 years after the line opens.  MTR already operates Sydney Metro Line M1.

“We will deliver world-class systems and operational solutions for this line, connecting new communities and helping drive the city forward,” says David Tang, property and international business director of MTR.

Linewide

John Holland will install 60km of track and rail systems and will also construct the line’s 38ha stabling and maintenance facility in Clyde, as well as an operations control centre and service facility at Rosehill. The contract, valued at $A 3.2bn, includes installation of high-voltage and low- voltage electrical systems, 25kV ac overhead traction power supplies, and ventilation, communications and control systems, along with safety infrastructure such as walkways, fire protection systems and cross-passages. 

“We’ll draw on international experience and lessons learned to deliver an Australian-first track system that will significantly improve constructability, and noise and vibration performance inside tunnels and stations,” says Steve Butcher, John Holland’s managing director for rail and transport.

Stations West

Gamuda, with delivery partner Laing O’Rourke, will design and build five new underground metro stations and their associated precincts at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays. The contract value is $A 2.85bn.

“This project will transform how Sydney moves and connects,” says Mark Dimmock, Laing O’Rourke managing director, Australia. “Our partnership with Gamuda combines global expertise and local capability to ensure this landmark infrastructure project is expertly managed and delivered to the highest standards."

Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke previously won the $A 2.16bn Western Tunnelling contract for the project, which is nearing completion.

Hunter Street station and precinct

The Metropolis consortium, comprising Lendlease, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group, will act as precinct development partner for one of the most significant urban renewal projects in central Sydney.

The contract, valued at $A 1.5bn, involves construction of the underground metro station and two over-station commercial developments with an estimated combined end value of $A 4bn. 

Hunter Street station will be the busiest on the line, with capacity for 15,000 passengers per hour during the morning peak, providing a 20-minute journey time to Parramatta, pedestrian connections to Wynyard, and interchange with the M1 North West & Bankstown Line at Martin Place. 

Lendlease is expected to commence construction of the station’s main works in late 2026. Lendlease will also develop the building to the west fronting George and Hunter streets, with an estimated end value of $A 2.2bn, while Mirvac and Coombes Property will build the second building to the east facing Hunter and O’Connell streets, with an estimated end value of $A 1.8bn.

“We’re looking forward to delivering a seamlessly connected destination that integrates workplaces, retail and public spaces, creating long-term economic and social value for Sydney,” says Tom Mackellar, CEO development, Lendlease.

Future contracts

The NSW government says that the remaining three contracts for Sydney Metro West stations, at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, and Pyrmont, will be awarded later this year. A shortlist of three consortia has already been invited to tender for the Pyrmont contract: 

  • Gamuda and Urban Property Group  
  • John Holland and Third.i Property, and 
  • Watpac Construction and Plenary Origination 

The preferred bidder will deliver the underground station and 31-storey building above it, which will feature five levels of commercial and retail space, along with up to 160 new apartments.  

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