Unlocking Western ’s Potential with Light Rail Western Sydney Light Rail Network Part 2 Feasibility Report

AUGUST 2013 CONTENTS

Contents 2 Foreword 3 Overview 4 Light Rail in Western Sydney 7 Greater Section 8 Macquarie Park Line 10 Castle Hill Line 12 Regional Growth and Development 14 Precinct Urban Renewal 16 Costs and Staging 18 Next Steps 19

This report has been prepared with the support of:

For more information Parramatta City Council 30 Darcy Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 T – 02 9806 5050 E – [email protected]

02 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report FOREWORD

It is my pleasure to release Part 2 of the Western Sydney Light Rail Network Feasibility Report.

This report follows the release of Part 1 in May 2013, which identifi ed the preferred fi rst stage of the Network comprising two lines from Parramatta; one to Castle Hill and the other to Macquarie Park. This is the start of a Light Rail Network that will grow and evolve to meet the future economic and social needs of Western Sydney, with future lines to Bankstown and Rhodes via Sydney Olympic Park already identifi ed.

Part 2 of Council’s study further investigated the fi rst stage lines in terms of transport and land use. We undertook an initial engineering feasibility and identifi ed preferred alignment and stops as well as refi ned the cost. We also investigated the land use change potential to accommodate population and employment growth that could be anticipated as consequence of the Network.

This document strengthens the case for the Western Sydney Light Rail network. Council is now calling on both State and Federal Governments to fund the next stage study including a detailed business case.

It is a question of when this network will be built, not if. Parramatta and Western Sydney are growing and need better public transport to support the growth of the region and a future generation of Sydney-siders.

Cr John Chedid Lord Mayor of Parramatta

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 03 OVERVIEW FIRST STAGE OF THE NETWORK

Showground CASTLE HILL

Castle Hill C A S T L E H I L L Victoria Ave R

D D R B E R N M U R C

E

H T R Merindah Rd O N N o D r t

L h

O O W e s t R a i Coronation Rd

BAULKHAM HILLS Y W A O T O R M 2 M

Baulkham Hills

A YVentura Rd O R W L M O T O

D 2 M

D D D

R W R WINSTON HILLS I R N O D S S D O N R I

R D Churchill Dr W HW D Y NORTHMEAD N A R L B E Northmead M U J C TELOPEA A M E S R North Rocks Rd U St Patricks S W T E E P O I N S I N G T R D Barney St I S S D K Cumberland Hospital R Lott Children’s Hospital Albert St Dundas R

D PARRAMATTPARRA A D

R

T

G R Westmead Riverside R R E A Rydalmere E A T H W T E S T Church St E R N A H W Y UWS W M R 4 M O ERE T O R V W A L Y I OLYM SILV P D IC P AR K CharlesCharles St S R Macquarie St

LIN

Y E E Tramway Ave Camellia N E I L S R N E W J O T P SYDNE S A K GRANVILLE R R N A A M A B T T A R

04 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report First Stage Network Parramatta City Council has Key undertaken the Western Macquarie Park Line Castle Hill Line Sydney Light Rail Feasibility Future Lines Study to address the Stop challenges of a growing H W Y L A N D Western Sydney region.

In Part 1 of the study (see separate document), Council with the support il L in k of consultants undertook fi ve separate but integrated studies focussed on transport, land use, environmental, economic and health and social areas to design a Light Rail Network and MACQUARIE identify a preferred fi rst stage scheme.

E P P PARK I N Lines to Macquarie Park and Castle G R D Macquarie Centre Hill emerged as the most feasible two EPPING alignments.

Part 2 of the study, this document, MARSFIELD further investigated the two lines. EASTWOOD The central section of the fi rst stage is Marsfield Eastwood common to both lines and covered in

S T detail (pages 8–9). The eastern section, DG E County Rd RUTLE Rydalmere to Macquarie Park (pages T T S W AR DENISTONE EAST 10–11) and northern section, North Brush Rd Parramatta to Castle Hill (pages 12–13) DENISTONE ie Stewart is also covered in detail.

The study recommends that the Macquarie Park Line be constructed before the Castle Hill Line. The revised cost for both lines is $1.525b for

V 30km including a depot and 21 light I C T T O S R rail vehicles to operate a service every I A H R C D 10 minutes on both Lines. R U H C

RHODES EY OLYMPIC PARK

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 05 OVERVIEW FEASIBILITY STUDY

Objectives Part 1 of Study Part 2 of Study Parramatta City Council instigated Part 1 of the study identifi ed 15 Part 2 of the study, this document, is a the $1m Western Sydney Light Rail strategic transport corridors within more detailed transport and land use Feasibility Study to gain a better 15 km of Parramatta and assessed analysis of the proposed fi rst stage of understanding of how light rail them for their potential to address the two lines. could advance the following regional challenges of the region. It includes an initial engineering priorities: A series of multi-criteria gateway assessment, potential land use change > Economic – increase economic assessments were undertaken to and urban renewal opportunities with productivity fi lter and refi ne corridors to identify potential dwelling and job numbers > Lane Use – accommodate the preferred network of four lines and refi nement of capital costs residential growth and stimulate and fi rst stage of two lines (see map including staging. below). employment growth The study demonstrates how light > Transport – provide greater Part 1 concluded that light rail rail will change the urban form along transport options to Parramatta and was feasible along the alignments an alignment and activity centre, and across the region considered and investment in light rail how it contributes to urban renewal, > Social and health – improve social will signifi cantly transform the social, particularly where underutilised disadvantage and quality of life for economic and physical function of and less accessible neighbourhoods all residents. Western Sydney. are transformed into desirable and attractive places.

Proposed Western Sydney Light Rail Network

Key First Stage Macquarie Park Line First Stage Castle Hill Line Future Stages

06 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report LIGHT RAIL IN WESTERN SYDNEY

What is Light Rail? Role of Light Rail The terms tram and light rail are often in the region used interchangeably. The Western Sydney Light Rail Light rail in this study refers to a Network will help build a new city at system predominately operating in Parramatta; changing the structure of a segregated alignment with less Greater Sydney from a mono-centric to frequent stops and higher average a poly-centric model. speeds than local bus services. The Network also connects Parramatta A ‘tramway’ is an on-street rail system to the major economic centres of the operating in shared traffi c conditions region, and these centres to each other. and resembling a local bus service with It provides new access and opportunity frequent stops and a slower speed. to the residents, business owners, commuters and students of Western Tram is also used for an older style Sydney, helping to unlock the social of vehicle with less capacity and less and economic potential of the region. accessibility whereas light rail vehicle is used to describe its modern cousin.

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 07 GREATER PARRAMATTA WESTMEAD w PARRAMATTA w RYDALMERE

Route Description Connections This section focuses on the route through Greater The Greater Parramatta Parramatta, the core of the network. The route between section of the network and Rydalmere is common to both lines connects: while the North Parramatta to Westmead section is part of Westmead Medical Precinct the Macquarie Park Line. including the Cumberland Hospital North Parramatta with Parramatta Stadium and Riverside Theatres From Westmead Station the light rail operates in segregated lanes in the centre Parramatta CBD, a regional city of Hawkesbury Rd. Through Cumberland Hospital the route shares the road with with signifi cant employment and limited traffi c. Church St then reallocates the road space from buses to light rail large retail services presence with segregated lanes in the centre of the road. From Riverside Theatres the light rail shares the road with limited traffi c. Harris Park local centre Camellia with access to Macquarie St has two segregated lanes for light rail. The route through Harris Rosehill Racecourse Park uses a combination of segregated lanes (road corridor widening) and lightly traffi cked roads. The line passes under Drive where a road yover fl is Rydalmere including University constructed as part of the Western Sydney Regional Ring Road. The line parallels of Western Sydney the Carlingford Line between Camellia and Rydalmere on a dedicated right-of-way.

Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead (artist’s impression)

08 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report Key Macquarie Park Line Shopping Centre J A M Alternative Route Hospital TEL Cumberland Hospital E S R U Castle Hill Line Rail S Existing Heavy Rail Bus interchange Children’s Hospital E G P O School Ferry interchangeI N I S S D K R University Park + Ride Westmead Hospital

Albert St PARRAMATTAPARRA Stadium Westmead Riverside Rydalmere Church St WESTMEAD UWS

M O T O R W A Y RYDALMERE OLYM PIC PAR CharlesCharles St S K Macquarie St LINE

Tramway Ave Camellia E

N I L

N

W

O T

S

K N GRANVILLE A

B Westmead w Parramatta w Rydalmere

Stops > Drives urban renewal in the north continue eastward from Camellia Within this section 17 stops were and south of the Parramatta CBD along the existing transport corridor investigated and 12 preferred > Establishes the core of a Western with a new crossing of Duck River. stops were identifi ed (see route Sydney Light Rail Network map) on the preferred alignment, Depot and Operations Centre along with interchange Alternative Routes Camellia has been identifi ed as opportunities and destinations. A route via Parramatta Stadium was the site of a potential depot and considered and would offer a direct operations centre which can serve Key Benefi ts connection to the venue. However, both lines and the future network. > Increases accessibility for a route along Church St avoids people and business across duplicate infrastructure and still Challenges to be managed Greater Parramatta serves Parramatta Stadium, as well as > CBD traffi c and bus management > Connects residential areas strengthening Church St as the city’s > Pedestrian safety spine. with jobs, education, health, > Land availability recreation and culture Future Lines > Future of the Carlingford Line > Supports new developments The light rail is planned to expand over both residential and time. A Bankstown Line would continue employment in the Parramatta south along Church St and Woodville CBD Rd. An Olympic Park Line would

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 09 MACQUARIE PARK LINE RYDALMERE w MACQUARIE PARK

Route Description Connections The Macquarie Park Line connects Westmead to Macquarie The Macquarie Park Park via Parramatta, Rydalmere, Dundas and Eastwood. line connects: This section focuses on the route between Rydalmere and Westmead, Parramatta, Harris Macquarie Park. Park, Camellia and Rydalmere (see Greater Parramatta section) Dundas local centre From Rydalmere the light rail will parallel the Carlingford Line to Dundas on a Telopea dedicated right-of-way and then use segregated lanes in the centre of Kissing Point Rd. The line crosses Brush Farm Park with a viaduct limiting the impact on Eastwood town centre the environment. The County Rd freeway reserve is utilised with segregated lanes Marsfi eld in the centre of a widened Rutledge St. Macquarie Park including business Rowe St is the preference through Eastwood on a shared road with limited traffi c. parks, Macquarie University and The line then uses the County Rd freeway reserve through Marsfi eld with a large shopping centre dedicated right-of-way mainly. Herring Rd leads to the regional shopping centre in Macquarie Park and uses a combination of shared and segregated lanes.

Potential County Rd stop (artist’s impression)

10 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report A Y T O R W M O M 2

MACQUARIE PARK E P P I N G R D Macquarie Centre EPPING

MARSFIELD EASTWOOD Marsfield Eastwood

S T TELOPEA DGE County Rd RUTLE T St Patricks T S W AR T E P O I N S DENISTONE EAST I N G T R D Brush Rd I S S K Lottie Stewart DENISTONE

Dundas

D

R

R

Rydalmere E

T

A

W V I C R Key T

ERE O R RYDALMERE V I A L T Macquarie Park Line R Shopping Centre I S D O SILV H Alternative Route Hospital LYM C PIC R PAR U Castle Hill Line Rail interchange K LIN H C E Existing Heavy Rail Bus interchange School Ferry interchange SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK University Park + Ride P Rydalmere w Macquarie Park

Stops Alternative Routes Challenges to be managed This section investigated 11 stops An alternative route through Eastwood > Future of the Carlingford Line and identifi ed 9 preferred stops along First St was considered. This > Crossing (see route map) on the preferred route is direct but the route along Rowe > Environmental impact on Brush alignment, they are shown on the St better serves the rail station and Farm Park route map, along with interchange town centre. opportunities. > Impact on existing bus services Carlingford Rail Line and traffi c, especially within Key Benefi ts The light rail proposal assumes Macquarie Park > Provides a direct public transport the Carlingford Line continues to connection between Greater operate. The future of the line is a Parramatta and Macquarie Park State Government matter, however, > Connects residential areas with converting the line between Camellia jobs, education and recreation and Dundas to light rail reduces the cost of the Macquarie Park Line. > Opportunities for urban renewal > Makes use of land reserved for transport

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 11 CASTLE HILL LINE NORTH PARRAMATTA w CASTLE HILL

Route Description Connections The Castle Hill Line connects Rydalmere to Castle Hill via The Castle Hill Line Parramatta, Northmead and Baulkham Hills. This section connects: focuses on the route between Albert St North Parramatta Parramatta, Harris Park, Camellia and Castle Hill. and Rydalmere (see Greater Parramatta section) North Parramatta From Albert St North Parramatta to Northmead the light rail travels in segregated Northmead lanes in the centre of road utilising existing bus lanes. There is road reserve along Windsor Rd to Baulkham Hills which allows for the centre lanes to be used for light Baulkham Hills rail and the road to be widened to maintain four traffi c lanes. Castle Hill Trading Zone

The route from Coronation Ave to Showground Rd is either located in the centre of Castle Hill with large shopping the road, or on one side to manage the impact on turning traffi c at intersections centre and the topography of Carrington Rd.

The approach to Castle Hill is along Showground Rd where there is land reserved for road widening. There is scope for two light rail lanes and four traffi c lanes where there are currently just two traffi c lanes.

Old Northern Rd at Crane St, Castle Hill (artist’s impression)

12 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report Showground CASTLE HILL

C A S T L E H Castle Hill I D L R L

Victoria Ave R N D R

E

H T R O N Excelsior Ave Merindah Rd D N or L th

W O

O e st R a il L Cross St in Coronation Rd k

Y BAULKHAM HILLS W A O T O R M 2 M

Baulkham Hills

A Y O W Ventura Rd O R L M 2 M O T

D

D D D

R W R

I WINSTON HILLS R N O D S S D O N R I

R D Churchill Dr W Y W NORTHMEAD H N D L A Northmead R E Key J B TELOPEA A M E S M R U Macquarie Park Line Shopping Centre U C North Rocks Rd ART ST S W Alternative Route HospitalT E E P O I N S I N G T R D Barney St I S S D K R Castle Hill Line Rail interchange Existing Heavy Rail Bus interchange Albert St School Ferry interchange UniversityDundas Park + Ride

D

R North Parramatta w Castle Hill

Stops > Connects residential areas with jobs, Old Northern Rd is the direct route to This section investigated 14 stops education and recreation Castle Hill but there is limited scope and identifi ed 10 potential stops on > Opportunities for urban renewal to widen the road, compared with the preferred alignment (see route Windsor Rd. In addition Windsor Rd map), with interchange opportunities Alternative Routes has more trip generators due to the and destinations. An alternative route along North Castle Hill Trading Zone. Rocks Rd was investigated to avoid Key Benefi ts the congested of James Challenges to be managed > Provides a direct public transport Ruse Dr and Windsor Rd, however on > Crossing James Ruse Dr and the connection between Greater balance it is considered the direct route M2 Parramatta and Castle Hill with a widened intersection is a better > Impact on existing bus services > Interchange to two North West Rail solution for both road traffi c and light and traffi c congestion, especially Link stations, increasing access to rail, and avoids steeper gradients. within Castle Hill the growing northwest Crossing the M2 represents another > Widening Windsor Rd between > Enhances north-south regional signifi cant engineering and traffi c Northmead and Baulkham Hills connectivity across Western Sydney challenge.

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 13 REGIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

CASTLEHILL

C A S T L E H I D L CASTLE HILL R L

CASTLE HILL R TRADING ZONE N D R E R E B M U H C T 2011 0 9000 R 2011 540 7900 O N 2031 1018 12,200 2031 0 12,500 D N or L th

2061 2370 16,500 W O

2061 0 19,800 O e s t R a i

CASTLE HILL BAULKHAM HILLS Y CORRIDOR W A O T O R M 2 M BAULKHAM HILLS 2011 19,110 16,200 2031 26,491 19,400 2011 15 1300 2061 40,762 22,240 2031 261 1800 A Y O R W L M O T O 2061 1652 2800

D 2 M

D D

R W R WINSTON HILLS I R N O D S S D O N R I

R D W HW D Y NORTHMEAD N A R L B E M U J C TELOPEA A M E S R U S E W S T E P O I N T WESTMEAD I N G R D I S S D K R

2011 268 12,800 2031 433 19,900 PARRAMATTA 2061 833 36,400 G R E A T W E S RYDALMERE T E R WESTMEAD N H W Y PARRAMATTA RYR2011YYDALMEDALMEREDALMERD 297 3400E 2031 649 4400

D 2011 1501 41,200

2061 1803 6300 R 2031 3353 70,000 Y

E E N I S 2061 6640 143,400 L

R N E W J O T S SYDNE K N GRANVILLE A

B

14 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report Projected Employment and Dwelling Growth Growth and Renewal The fi rst two lines of the Western Sydney Light Rail Network will generate signifi cant potential for new jobs and dwellings, above the current Bureau of Transport Statistics forecast. H W Y L A N D It will support greater diversity, integration of land uses and design quality. The majority of the growth will be focused on consolidating existing centres and intensifi cation along the il L in k immediate light rail corridor. Potential Growth > Further growth of Eastwood > New knowledge precinct at MACQUARIE Rydalmere > Renewal of Westmead and E P P PARK I N G EASTWOOD R Carlingford Line Corridor D > Renewal of Parramatta CBD and EPPING MAQUARIE PARK 2011 856 † growth to the north of the CBD 2031 1432 † > Renewal of Cumberland MARSFIELD 2011 1029 14,000 2061 2877 † Hospital site EAEASSTWSTTWWWOOOOODD 2031 2520 19,000 > Diversifi cation of Castle Hill 2061 7997 31,000 Trading Zone S T DG E > Infi ll development in existing RUTLE T T S residential areas W AR DENISTONE EAST

DENISTONE Employment Forecast * MACQUARIE PARK CORRIDOR 2011 123,400 2031 180,100

2011 9077 17,600 2061 301,760

2031 12,209 20,400 V I C T 2061 18,619 23,320 T O Dwelling Forecast * S R I A H R C D 2011 32,723 R U H C 2031 48,366 2061 84,809

RHODES * Based on 2011 Bureau of Transport Statistics EY OLYMPIC PARK † Growth included within corridor growth

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 15 PRECINCT URBAN RENEWAL

Built form model The Western Sydney Light Rail Network will drive development and renewal in key centres.

The images illustrate the scale and extent of new development possible around a light rail stop. The example shown here is Albert St North Parramatta which will experience growth in both residential and commercial property.

Several existing new residential and mixed use buildings are well suited to supporting a future light rail along Church Street.

The cross section demonstrates how the light rail will use the space at ground level integrating with pedestrians, traffi c and buildings.

Growth scenario

16 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report Existing Under construction

Cross section of Church St

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 17 COSTS AND STAGING

The initial estimate for the fi rst two Both lines serve Parramatta CBD and The proposed service pattern for the lines was $1.7b. The cost has been the University of Western Sydney, Macquarie Park and Castle Hill Lines refi ned (see table) and includes more however the Macquarie Park Line is show below. It is suggested that detailed elements identifi ed during the additionally serves Westmead, both have a service frequency of 10 engineering feasibility assessment as Eastwood and Macquarie Park minutes in the peak and 15 minutes well as light rail vehicles and a depot/ (university, business parks and large at other times. The overlap of services operations centre. The revised cost shopping centre). within Greater Parramatta doubles the estimate is $1.525b. frequency to a service every 5 minutes. In comparison the Castle Hill Line It is recommended that the Macquarie serves Northmead, Baulkham Hills Park Line be constructed before the and Castle Hill (large shopping centre Castle Hill Line. This spreads the and Trading Zone). It is predicted investment cost and establishes that further patronage work will revenue, patronage and operations. demonstrate the Macquarie Park Line has higher patronage than the initially estimated when student trips, and trips to Westmead are considered.

Length Light Rail Estimated (km) Vehicles (No.) Cost ($M)

Macquarie Park Line 17 km 10 $ 919 Westmead to Macquarie Park

Castle Hill Line 13 km 11 $ 606 North Parramatta to Castle Hill

TOTAL 30 km 21 $ 1525

18 Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report NEXT STEPS

Part 2 of the Feasibility Study The recommended next steps: Council, with its key and regional concludes Parramatta City Council’s > Community consultation and partners, will continue to advocate $1 m investigation of the Western engagement for the further development of this Sydney Light Rail Network. scheme with all levels of government, > Identifi cation and implementation of businesses and community to delivery Council is calling on both the State short term options for strengthening better connectivity to the future and Federal Governments to fund a public transport on the preferred generation of Western Sydney. detailed study to further investigate the alignments Western Sydney light rail network and > Refi nement of patronage modelling the preparation of a business case for and expand to include all trips the fi rst stage. > Road network analysis > Public transport network analysis > Detailed cost estimation > Funding sources and models for both capital and operation > Detailed engineering feasibility > Utilities investigations > Planning controls > Land use development capacity > Alignment, stop and depot site fi nalisation > Future extension including the Bankstown Line and the Olympic Park Line

Western Sydney Light Rail Network | Part 2: Feasibility Report 19 Parramatta City Council 30 Darcy Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 T 02 9806 5050 F 02 9806 5917 parracity.nsw.gov.au