The opening of Australia’s newest 24/7 international airport has moved closer, with major construction of the airport’s terminal now complete.

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) to formally unveil the airport’s new terminal.

Set to open late next year, WSI will be Australia’s first new greenfield international airport in more than 50 years.

Upon opening, it will have capacity to cater for up to 10 million annual passengers.

By 2063, the airport’s capacity is expected to grow to to 82 million annual passengers.

The new terminal design is emblematic of the nearby World Heritage Greater Blue Mountains Area as well as the Cumberland Plain and the regions’ First Nations culture and history.

A standout feature is the roof, which has an aerodynamic, single-ridge form and undulating ceiling curves.

Inspired by aircraft wings, this reinforces the building’s identity and undulates gently to contribute to intuitive navigation.

Other design features include:

  • Sculptural leaf pod retail kiosks that rise organically from the floor.
  • Use of warm materials such as terracotta, deep greens, timbers and woven textures. These reference the textures of the Cumberland Plain and bring regional identity into every detail.
  • A climate responsive façade, with more than 6,000 solar panels fixed to the roof and rooftop rainfall collection for use in airport operations such as bathrooms, irrigation and cooling towers.
  • Integration of natural ventilation and daylighting strategies.
  • A modular layout to enable the adaptability to respond to long-term growth and evolving technologies.
  • Streamlined departures with access to next generation technology to facilitate prompt movement through the airports.
  • Integration of domestic and international gates under one roof to facilitate simple and efficient connections.

The terminal’s unveiling followed the completion earlier this month of works relating to the runway and other key airside facilities.

With major construction of the terminal now complete, the airport will now move on with testing the systems and preparing for airport operations.

Meanwhile, work on the fit-out of the retail precinct and airport lounges will take place closer to the airport’s opening as commercial tenders and final contracts continue to progress over the months ahead.

The airport is being delivered by a Commonwealth government owned company known as Western Sydney Airport Co Ltd (WSA Co).

Initial design concepts were provided by Cox Architectures and Zaha Hadid Architects. Design and construction were completed by Woods Baggot and Multiplex.

Project delivery has been overseen by Bechtel along with WSA Co.

All up, more than 2,000 workers contributed around 9 million hours during the terminal’s construction.

The entire WSI project has created 11,650 annual full-time equivalent jobs, over half of which have come from the local area.

More than $500 million has also been invested in more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses since the start of WSI’s construction in 2017. This includes local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanes welcomed the completion of major construction.

“When we talk about Building Australia’s Future, I think about Western Sydney International Airport,” he said.

“I think about the vision, persistence, and cooperation that has led us here to this milestone.

“I think about the jobs and opportunity that this project has delivered and will deliver for Sydney and for Australia.

“This airport will drive economic growth and turbocharge productivity.”

WSA Co CEO Western Sydney Airport Co CEO Simon Hickey agrees says the airport’s construction has created enormous opportunities for the local workforce.

“WSI has been the catalyst for billions in investment in the region and has helped create thousands of local jobs during construction and will bring even more opportunities across our precinct and the surrounding Bradfield City and Aerotropolis once the airport opens,” he said.

“Since the first sod was turned, nearly half our workforce has hailed from Western Sydney, with around a third learning on the job, so the region should be immensely proud of this new terminal as so many workers, businesses, manufacturers, and suppliers have literally helped bring it to life. This is their legacy.”

 

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