Australia links airport contract to student involvement

Companies tendering for the design of the new terminal at Sydney’s second airport will not only need to demonstrate they have the expertise but be willing to pass it on to young Australians. The Australian government Thursday launched the search for the architect to design the Western Sydney Airport and asked them to demonstrate how they intended to include university students with a link to Western Sydney on the design team. Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said it was an opportunity for emerging architects or designers living or studying in Western Sydney to make their mark on the project. "Designing an airport terminal takes experience and knowledge however we want local design students to be involved in delivering an iconic building,” he said. “Whether it’s planning a specific part of the terminal or designing an aspect of the interior – there are endless possibilities.” The $A5.3 billion second airport in south-western Sydney is due to open in 2026 and will cater for both international and domestic flights. The decision to build it reflects the expansion of the city and the fact the ability of the existing airport to cater for aviation growth is hamstrung by a curfew and limits on hourly aircraft movements. The new airport will have an initial capacity of 10 million passengers a year and plans for staged growth will allow it to cater for 82m passengers by 2060. READ Virgin Australia opposes Qantas-Cathay codeshare. Both major Australian carriers have already said they will use it and it is also attracting interest from low-cost international airlines such as AirAsia X. Firms interested in submitting an expression of interest will need to have experience designing an airport of similar size and complexity in the past five years. And the government wants a design that leaves a big impression as well as gives passengers and employees the best possible experience. “This is about delivering an airport which is iconic and leaves a real impression – yes, for people catching a plane, but also for the many people who will work, shop or meet up with friends there,” Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said. “This is the standard for many of the world’s leading airports and it’s the challenge that’s been set for anyone who wants the job of leading the design.” The final design will be chosen by the end of 2019 after a competitive process.