Transforming Western Sydney’s Connectivity: Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 Now Open
The Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 (L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line) marks a significant milestone in Western Sydney’s growth. For the first time in 80 years, trams will travel through Parramatta’s heart, with passenger services commencing today, Friday 20th December.
Western Sydney, one of New South Wales’ fastest-growing regions, will be home to more than half of Sydney’s population by 2036. The new light rail will connect key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses, driving the region’s continued development.
The 12-kilometre light rail supports Sydney’s shift to a polycentric city model, reducing commuter distances, creating local employment opportunities, and strengthening connections between the Harbour City, River City, and the emerging Western Parkland City.
COX Director, Ian Connolly
More than any other type of project, light rail is a true urban transformation undertaking. The tangible changes to places and our cities, through access and public domain improvements see these projects as real legacies for the future.
A Vision for Urban Transformation
COX’s involvement began in 2015 with the development of the Parramatta Light Rail Urban Design Framework, establishing a narrative for alignment and stop locations. The design prioritises simplicity, modularity, and efficiency, incorporating a “kit of parts” approach to architectural and structural components. The curved canopy forms and modular designs reflect the optimism of the emerging communities and their aspirations for elegant, sustainable infrastructure.
Integrating Design and Community
The design integrates seamlessly with existing public and active transport networks, enhancing pedestrian activity and streetscapes. Key considerations include interfacing with major precincts and masterplans, ensuring accessibility, and creating vibrant public domains. COX and CONTEXT Landscape Architects documented the light rail corridor and public spaces, focusing on high-quality materials, robust detailing, and a landscape response that aligns with the character of each area.
Egalitarian access is central to the design, ensuring all stops are inclusive and welcoming. With safety and usability at the forefront, the facilities incorporate 24-hour visibility, clear lines of sight, and advanced passenger amenities. Each light rail vehicle consists of seven carriages, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
Driving Growth and Connectivity
The Parramatta Light Rail will serve around 22,000 daily users, with 130,000 residents living within walking distance of the stops by 2026. It reduces car dependency and enhances connectivity across the Greater Parramatta to Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) growth area, supporting key precincts like Westmead, Camellia, and the Parramatta CBD.
Looking Ahead
Now open to the public, the Parramatta Light Rail represents a new era for Western Sydney. It is not just infrastructure; it is a catalyst for growth, connectivity, and community-building. The project exemplifies COX Architecture’s commitment to creating places that enrich the lives of people and the cities they call home.
Technical Information:
- 16 stops over 12 kilometres, connecting Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
- Key stops include Telopea, Dundas, Rydalmere, and Church Street.
- New Bidgee Bidgee Bridge over James Ruse Drive and a stabling and maintenance facility.
COX worked with the following key team:
- Infrastructure Contract: Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors and Downer Joint Venture), with COX Architecture, CONTEXT and WSP and Aurecon Joint Venture as engineers.
- Supply Operate and Maintain contract – Greater River City Light Rail (Transdev and CAF Rail Australia), with Laing O’Rourke as contractors, WSP as lead engineers, and COX as lead design consultant with CONTEXT.
- Client: Transport for NSW