The construction contract for the terminal at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has been awarded.
Multiplex Constructions will construct the terminal.
Multiplex is an established global construction company that has delivered over 1,000 projects across the world and has an outstanding track record of successfully delivering complex projects in Australia.
The final design of the airport’s passenger terminal has also been unveiled.
NSW Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the contract award was an important step in the development of Sydney’s new airport.
“Today’s announcement and unveiling of the final designs of the new Western Sydney Airport is a major milestone towards the delivery of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Australia,” Mr Fletcher said.
“After several years of preparing the airport site, including moving 18 million cubic metres of earth to date, construction is on track to commence on the integrated passenger terminal at the end of the year, which will have the capacity to handle up to ten million passengers a year once it opens in late 2026.
“This project is a unique opportunity to build an airport from the ground up – allowing us to deploy the latest technology to ensure the passenger experience is smoother and easier than today’s airports, and the security systems more effective but less intrusive.
“The new terminal will not only be a state-of-the art piece of infrastructure but a driver of jobs and economic growth for the region, and form an integral element of the surrounding aerotropolis and the broader Western Parkland city.
“In its own right, Western Sydney would be Australia’s fourth largest city and third largest economy, which is why the Morrison Government has committed $14 billion to the airport and vital metro rail and road links that will transform the region.”
NSW Minister for Finance, Simon Birmingham, said the awarding of this major contract meant activity on the site would further ramp-up and the delivery of Western Sydney International Airport was now really becoming a reality.
“The awarding of this contract now paves the way for construction to start on what will be one of the most advanced passenger terminals in the world,” Mr Birmingham said.
“With the contract for the passenger terminal now locked-in, billions in economic activity can kick-off and many more of the 28,000 direct and indirect jobs set to be created from the project can start to flow.
“The integrated passenger terminal will be the centrepiece of this project and when completed will give Australians and travellers from all around the world a first-class experience when they pass through the airport.”
Landscape and heritage-inspired design
The design of the terminal was inspired by Australia’s natural beauty, the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage and strong sustainability principles.
Western Sydney Airport CEO, Simon Hickey, said every aspect of the design brings together world’s best practice to create a terminal that will offer passengers and airlines an experience unrivalled among Australian airports.
“This will be Australia’s best airport terminal, unlike anything seen before in this country,” Mr Hickey said.
“It sets a new benchmark for what Australians will expect when they fly.”
Simple and intuitive wayfinding around a terminal that will be easy to navigate, will come together with great customer service to ensure passengers have a stress-free airport experience.
“Flying from Western Sydney International will be fast, easy and seamless,” Mr Hickey said.
“For airlines, our terminal will be all about operational efficiency and reliability, providing an environment where passengers arrive at the aircraft feeling relaxed and ready to fly.”
Mr Hickey highlighted the importance of the consultation with Aboriginal communities throughout the design process.
“A connection to Country will be reflected across both the departures and arrivals, ensuring the terminal has an authentic sense of place in Dharug country.”
Mr Hickey said sustainability considerations are front and centre, with passive design principles drawing on natural light and airflows to provide superior energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
“A climate responsive façade with ample shading and high-performance glass will ensure less energy is needed to keep the terminal at a comfortable temperature all year round,” he said.
The terminal precinct’s forecourt will be a destination, with gardens featuring local native plants and areas that could be used for local produce markets, festivals and community events.
The design is an evolution of the initial concepts released two years ago. While key design principles have been retained, the final design delivers the best customer outcomes in the context of a strong regional identity that is unmistakably at home in Western Sydney.
In addition to the $5.3 billion investment in Western Sydney International, the Federal Government has committed another $9 billion for the vital rail and road links that will transform the Western Sydney region.
This includes the $3.5 billion investment to deliver new major road infrastructure and upgrades under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan and $5.25 billion towards the first stage of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail link.
