Set to open in 2027, work to construct six new metro stations for Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is in full swing, with designs for each station now finalised.

First Nations design professionals Djinjama, with lead architect Hassell, were engaged to lead the design process, and collaborated and engaged with key Knowledge Holders of Country throughout.

Each new station will complement the qualities of the Cumberland Plain landscape and aim to establish a sense of connection to place, people and communities of Western Sydney.

The final designs feature colours, textures and materials derived from Country and these will be experienced by passengers throughout stations, including communal areas like plazas, walkways and buildings.

Feedback from stakeholders and community members was incorporated into the final station designs after initial plans were exhibited during a consultation period.

Cultural Lead and Indigenous Designer for the project from Djinjama, Danièle Hromek, shared how the opportunity to collaborate with Sydney Metro came about.

"We had been collaborating with Hassell over some years on a variety of projects such as the Precinct Plans for Western Sydney, the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility in Bradfield, and Harbourside in Darling Harbour. Hassell reached out at the beginning of the tender process and asked us to join them in the bid with Plenary as the lead," she said.

"We started by a team walk on Country during which we "dreamt up" for the health and wellbeing of Country, as well as community inclusion, and cultural expression. I was fortunate to be able to share with the leadership team of the project the understandings of Country in early stages, and was integrated into many of the presentations for the project in order Sydney Metro could understand our vision for Country and community. We then developed a report that explored the narratives of Country that had come through during our listening, learning and research process, which included Sydney Metro's Connecting with Country Working Group for the Airport Line.

"Upon being notified we were the winning tenderers we continued this process and expanded it. We established regular workshops with Traditional Custodians to share the designs with them and gain valuable feedback. We continued our engagement with the Connecting with Country Working Group. And we continued the co-design process between Hassell and Djinjama. "

"Our work was and still is being integrated into the project via regular co-design workshops across numerous scales. From the design of the stations, how they open themselves up to the stories shared, all the way through to how culture is being experienced in the small more intimate moments. Djinjama has also been able to take leadership in a number of design elements, specifically those that were identified during the workshops with Traditional Custodians and the Connecting with Country Working Group that required cultural leadership," she said.

"We are grateful to have that time sharing back and forth with them to ensure this project has a holistic and meaningful response to Country and culture through community wisdom."

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is due to open in 2027.

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