Shortlisted builders announced for $5.3bn Western Sydney Airport

Western Sydney’s new international airport is another step closer to welcoming its first flight as the $5.3 billion project marks a new major milestone with the announcement of three shortlisted builders to deliver the airport terminal. 

“The advantage of designing a new airport from the ground up is taking a fresh, new approach, learning from the global experience of airports, passengers and airlines. 

“As well as looking at what makes the world’s best airports work so well, we gained insight from our airline MOU partners that helped us design a terminal that will make catching a plan fast and easy,” Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said. 

Terminal design (source: Western Sydney Airport)

The three companies shortlisted for the design and construction contract of the airport terminal include: 

• Lendlease CPB Joint Venture 
• Multiplex Constructions 
• Watpac Construction 

The design of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s passenger terminal is still ongoing, with the design to be finalised once a winning builder has been appointed in mid-2021. 

The terminal precinct is anticipated to feature a public plaza, retail and dining options as well as be connected to the new M12 Motorway and Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport train service. 

Sustainability is a key consideration for the new airport terminal’s design, taking advantage of natural sunlight and air flows to help reduce energy use as well as help create a healthier, more comfortable environment. 

According to Mr Hickey, there is still a strong need for the Western Sydney Airport despite the impacts of COVID-19 on travel. 

“Experts forecast that global air travel demand will recover from COVID-19 well before the airport opens at the end of 2026. 

“We’re building an airport for Sydney’s future, to support jobs in Western Sydney, as well as growth in tourism and the economy. 

“This airport is not just for the next decade, but for decades and generations to come,” Mr Hickey said. 

Stage 1 of Western Sydney International at Badgerys Creek is expected to open in 2026, catering to up to 10 million passengers annually. 

Earlier this year, major earthworks commenced on site to move about 10,000 Olympic swimming pools-worth of earth. You can read more about it here. 

Major construction on the Western Sydney International Airport passenger terminal is expected to begin by the end of 2021. 

Source: Western Sydney Airport (1, 2); The Sydney Morning Herald; Airport Technology; Construction Advisor