The NSW Government has announced its commitment to delivering the Sydney Metro West project and opened the door to the possibility of new stations being added to support increased housing supply.
The announcement reaffirms a commitment from the NSW Government to ensure major transport infrastructure investment across Sydney is integrated with planning functions to deliver additional housing. This includes along the alignment of Metro West, providing Sydney residents with homes located in the vicinity of high quality transport infrastructure.
After its election, the NSW Government commissioned a review into Sydney Metro to examine value for money, delivery models, project governance and passenger impacts.
Following this review, the NSW Government has announced a move to a more sustainable timeline for delivery. These announcements have been made and endorsed by the recommendations of the Sydney Metro Independent Review.
Alterations to timeline and project scope
- The project is now expected to be completed by 2032. The additional construction time is considered important to minimise further unexpected costs and provide time for the consideration of additional stations and housing planning integration.
- There is currently a seven-kilometre gap between Sydney Olympic Park and Paramatta Metro Stations, with Sydney Metro now directed to complete scoping studies for up to two new stations between Olympic Park and Paramatta with consideration given to how this can support greater urban infill housing.
- Importantly, the Independent reviewers, Amanda Yeates and Mike Mrdak have also recommended that a business case be prepared to improve bus and active transport connections to broaden the catchment of the existing alignment.
- The NSW Government has entered discussions with the Australian Turf Club to potentially relocate Rosehill Racecourse and build up to 25,000 new homes, surrounded by greenspace and a new Sydney Metro West Station.
RA is encouraged by the NSW Government’s strong focus on integrating transport planning with increased housing supply, supporting place making and high-quality transport connections for communities across Sydney.