DESIGNS FOR WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT METRO LINE REVEALED

The initial concept for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, designed by Hassell in collaboration with First Nations cultural research and design practice Djinjama, reveals a design process informed by Dharug Country narratives that honours the cultural significance of the land it traverses.

The city-shaping infrastructure project is set to transform the Western Sydney region with six new stations and precincts - St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham, two stations within the airport site and Bradfield - and a maintenance and operations depot, all connected by a 23-kilometre corridor of newly restored Cumberland Plain landscape.

Hassell’s scope for the project encompasses urban design, landscape architecture, architecture and interior design. Stories of the Wianamatta region inform the overarching design concept, reflecting a landscape where vast skies meet earth and seasonal creeks carve the land.

A communique released by Hassell mentioned that preliminary designs have been guided by Dharug Country narratives. The practice noted that the design “honours the cultural significance of the land it traverses. Across a series of co-design workshops guided Dr Danièle Hromek and the team at Djinjama, Dharug Elders and Knowledge Holders – including Sydney Metro’s Connecting with Country Working Group – developed the narratives of Country for the Airport line. Stories of the Wianamatta region inform the overarching design concept, ‘carved earth connected to big sky’ — reflecting a landscape where vast skies meet earth and seasonal creeks carve the land.”

Hassell principal in charge Glenn Scott emphasised the importance of including Country-led narratives in the design. “Our approach goes beyond technical design excellence; we are creating spaces that reflect and respect the cultural heritage of Dharug Country,” said Scott.

“By balancing international expertise with a profound respect for and engagement with Country, the new network will reflect the spirit of Wianamatta, the Cumberland Plain and the broader Western Sydney region.”

To find out more about the project, visit the Sydney Metro website.