Construction of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has moved a step closer to reality with three parties shortlisted to build the airport’s passenger terminal.
Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the primary goal of the integrated international and domestic passenger terminal would be to provide passengers with as stress-free an experience as possible. “The advantage of designing a new airport from the ground up is taking a fresh, new approach, learning from the global experiences of airports, passengers and airlines,” he said. “As well as looking at what makes the world’s best airports work so well, we gained insights from our airline MOU partners that helped us design a terminal that will make catching a plane fast and easy.”
The terminal precinct will include a public plaza, retail and dining options, and will be connected to the new M12 Motorway and Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport train service. Hickey explained that sustainability was also a key consideration in the terminal design, which will take advantage of natural sunlight and air flows to reduce energy use and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for passengers.
The parties vying to win the terminal design and construction contract consists of companies Lendlease CPB Joint Venture (a joint venture between Lendlease Building and CPB Contractors), Multiplex Construction and Watpac Construction.
Design of Western Sydney International’s passenger terminal is ongoing and Hickey stated it will be finalized when the winning contractor is appointed in mid-2021. Terminal construction is due to begin by the end of 2021, and according to the airport, the first stage of the development is on track to open in 2026 and will cater for up to 10 million passengers a year.
