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Sydney’s transport network is getting a pretty across-the-board glow-up, and while bendy buses are exciting for some, our expanding metro system is the shiniest star. This week, we’ve taken a tangible step forward – with renders for six Sydney Metro West stations offering the first glimpse of the sleek new stops that will one day connect Parramatta to the CBD in a 20-minute dash.
With the giant tunnel boring machines finished with their underground marathon, the focus for Sydney Metro West is shifting to actually building the line and its stations. Designs for the new stations (at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays and Hunter Street), come from a line-up of architecture heavyweights including Bates Smart, SAA Architects, John McAslan + Partners, Neeson Murcutt Neille, Stewart Architecture, Aileen Sage Architects and landscape architects TCL, with final designs slated for completion in early 2027. Importantly, the designs have been informed by consultation with Sydney Metro's Aboriginal advisory group. Djinjama, a cultural design and research practice, supported the cultural interpretation into design. Early works are kicking off this month, including the arrival of machinery, site offices, utility investigations and surveying – with full construction expected to begin by the end of the year.
The new Metro West stations are also expected to anchor major housing developments across Sydney, with plans revealed for Bays West (a whole new suburb ft up to 8,500 homes), the mega development of Wentworth Park and a series of huge projects at Sydney Olympic Park. These developments are planned alongside new jobs, public spaces and active transport connections – essentially turning the Metro West corridor into a series of well-connected neighbourhoods. When the line finally opens, Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Parramatta and the CBD, moving up to 40,000 passengers per hour in each direction during the morning peak.
The new line is due to open in 2032, with the extension of the existing metro line (from Sydenham to Bankstown) slated to open later this year (though delays are casting some doubt over that timeline, stay tuned).
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