Sydney Metro West contracts: NSW awards four key packages

Sydney Metro West contracts have been confirmed in four major awards by the New South Wales (NSW) government for the 24km project linking central Sydney with Parramatta, as outlined by Sydney Metro. The automated line will have nine stations and is due to open in 2032, as noted by Railway Supply.

Trains, systems, maintenance and operations (TSMO)

For the trains, systems, maintenance and operations package, the Metro Trains West consortium — led by Hong Kong metro operator MTR and including Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC — will deliver trains and core systems, and take on maintenance and operations for the new network. CRRC is to supply 16 driverless metro trains, while the consortium will operate and maintain Sydney Metro West for 15 years after opening, with responsibilities extending up to 22 years.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

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 works: track, power and the Clyde facility

Linewide works have been awarded to John Holland, which will install 60km of track and rail systems and build the 38ha stabling and maintenance facility in Clyde. The same contract also includes an operations control centre and a service facility at Rosehill. John Holland’s scope covers high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, 25kV ac overhead traction power supplies, ventilation, communications and control systems, as well as 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.

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Stations West and the Hunter Street station and precinct

On the civil side, 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 Stations West contract is valued at $A 2.7bn ($US 1.83bn). “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 Sydney Metro West, which is nearing completion.

In central Sydney, the Metropolis consortium — comprising Lendlease, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group — has been named precinct development partner for the Hunter Street station and precinct, one of the most significant urban renewal projects in the city centre. The contract includes construction of the underground metro station and two over-station commercial developments with an estimated combined end value of $A 4bn.

Hunter Street station is expected to be the busiest on the line, with capacity for 15,000 passengers per hour during the morning peak. Plans include a 20-minute journey time to Parramatta, pedestrian connections to Wynyard, and an interchange with the M1 North West & Bankstown Line at Martin Place. Lendlease is expected to commence the station’s main works in late 2026. It 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 for Sydney Metro West stations

NSW says 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 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 a 31-storey building above it, which will feature five levels of commercial and retail space, along with up to 160 new apartments, with the four-package breakdown also reported by Rail Journal.

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