What are the Development Opportunities Around Sydney’s Metro Stations?

We’re a decade into Sydney’s transport infrastructure transformation – a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of rail, tram, tunnel and road projects to better connect our city and suburbs and support projected population growth. Significant opportunities are emerging to better integrate residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, creating new urban communities around metro rail in particular.

Until now, outer suburbs haven’t been seen as commercially viable for this kind of investment. A walkable catchment is regarded as a 400m or five-minute walk to surrounding amenities. Sydney’s 46 new metro train projects – underground, open-cut and elevated stations transforming many outer growth suburbs – are changing that.

Governments keen to accommodate growth more sustainable are investing in rail and adjacent land to encourage higher-density living closer to stations. New communities around Sydney’s metro will be home to hundreds of thousands more residents in coming years – mostly in apartment developments of up to 20 storeys on land within 250m.

In outer suburbs where stations were typically surrounded by detached dwellings, higher-density development is booming. At Tallawong, 2,000 dwellings and a 30,000m2 town centre are on the way. Bella Vista station is slated for up to 3,800 dwellings, Kellyville 1840, Hills Showgrounds 1,650. Recently completed Edmondson Square station is home to 5,000 apartments and a major town centre.

Our practice is delivering several outer-suburban rail communities, including Leppington’s $72m retail and mixed-use precinct targeting 5 Star green rating. By integrating great residential apartments with parks, specialty stores, cafes, and inner-city-quality community amenities, these projects create social connection, sustainability and sense of place. These growth transit hubs are creating a pipeline of opportunities for the construction industry to help shape Sydney growth.