Work on first stop for Parramatta light rail starts

The final pieces of the $2.4 billion light rail network for western Sydney are being installed. See the images and watch the video.

Joanne Vella

@Parramatta_News

less than 2 min read

June 30, 2022 - 7:30AM

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Parramatta light rail's first stop at Church St take shape

NSW

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The cranes are climbing, the canopies are fixed in place and work on Parramatta light rail’s first stop at Church St, aka Eat St, has taken shape.

The first stop to be constructed along the 12km network from Westmead to Carlingford is Parramatta’s dining strip where two 23m long, 6000kg canopies have been hoisted into their positions for stage one of the $2.4 billion light rail project.

Transport Minister David Elliott said the canopy’s installation marked a significant achievement in the project to deliver western Sydney commuters a first-class transport system.

“This city-shaping project will give commuters a choice in the way they travel which is vital in connecting communities, people and businesses,” Mr Elliott said.

“Parramatta light rail is being delivered with Australian businesses in mind, not only supporting local manufacturing and jobs, but also using innovative construction methods to minimise disruption.’’

Silverwater manufacturing company, Icon Metal, manufactured and installed the shelter, which uses 80 per cent locally sourced materials.

The canopy is lifted into place along Church St, Parramatta.

The structures were built at the factory, craned into place and assembled in the early hours of Monday on Church St, between Phillip and George streets.

Images have also been released of the other light rail stops, which Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said would “be fully accessible to accommodate a significant volume of people of different abilities, particularly during busy periods such as major sporting and community events” when the trams start running next year.

“The light rail will improve access to the CBD and deliver an economic boost to Parramatta’s retail, hospitality and night-time businesses,” Mr Lee said.

Prince Alfred Square stop connects Parramatta and North Parramatta.

The naming of the stops attracted controversy in early June when they failed to acknowledge prominent women in Parramatta’s rich history, including Elizabeth Macarthur, who along with her husband John, pioneered the Australian wool industry in the early 1800s.

The final titles will be Westmead, Westmead Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, Ngara, Benaud Oval, Fennell Street, Prince Alfred Square, Church Street, Parramatta Square, Robin Thomas, Tramway Avenue, Rosehill Gardens, Yallamundi, Dundas, Telopea and Carlingford.

After a long fight to secure the second stage of the rail system, Premier Dominic Perrottet committed $600 million for the project, to run from Rydalmere to Sydney Olympic Park.