Plans for two massive buildings above Sydney CBD metro station get green light

Proposals for two buildings of up to 58 storeys in the northern end of Sydney’s CBD have been given the green light by the state’s planning department.

One 58-storey building will be built above Hunter Street Station East, between O’Connell Street and Bligh Street, and a 51-storey building above Hunter Street Station West, on the corner of George Street and Hunter Street.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the approval to develop the detailed designs for the new precinct was a significant milestone for the Metro West project.

“The successful tenderer will deliver a brand new station beneath Hunter Street and two new buildings above,” she said.

“The 24km Metro West line will not only unlock housing supply across our city, but developments like this one at Hunter Street will be incredible new employment centres.”

Construction of the underground station beneath Hunter Street began last year as part of the $25 billion Metro West Line between the CBD and Parramatta.

Three 120-tonne machines are currently excavating the sandstone beneath Hunter Street for a singular 180-metre-long cavern for the station’s two platforms. As of March this year, 30 per cent is complete.

Tunnelling of 3.5-kilometre twin tunnels from White Bay to Hunter Street below Darling Harbour is set to begin in the next few months.

Planning & Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the Hunter Street precinct would create an opportunity to see more jobs delivered near a world-class transport network.

“These two new buildings will pave the way to connect people to their homes, jobs and the Sydney CBD,” he said.

“Making sure we have enriching public spaces in our cities is an important stage in the planning process. Both stations and buildings will help revitalise Sydney’s CBD and its transformation into a 24-hour economic centre.”

Once Metro West opens in 2032, Hunter Street will be the busiest underground station, with 10,000 commuters an hour expected to travel during the morning peak.

Passengers will also be able to use an underground walkway to connect to metro services on the Metro North West Line and City & Southwest line at Martin Place and nearby Wynyard station for Sydney Trains services.

Two consortia were shortlisted to work with Sydney Metro to develop the Hunter Street Station project. Justin Hemmes, CEO of Merivale, is part of a consortium competing against a group led by Brookfield, which redeveloped Wynyard Station.