Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project – a network of four metro lines, 113km of new metro rail and 46 stations. Macquarie Group had a bold vision to develop the metro’s Martin Place Station, located in the heart of Sydney CBD, into an integrated precinct.

A unique destination

In 2016, Macquarie Group, as developers of the project, appointed our firm as the engineering lead for the three stages of the successful unsolicited proposal to show the ambitious development was feasible and would bring economic and social value to Sydney. We then provided over 40 engineering disciplines for the development, which includes two commercial towers above the new metro station and a pedestrian tunnel to link the two main parts of the development underneath a heritage building.

Collaborating with Macquarie Group, Lendlease, Grimshaw Architects, JPW, Tzannes and others, we have designed and delivered an integrated hub where people can work, shop, dine and travel. Guided by the City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan, the precinct offers Sydneysiders what they want from their city – inspiring workplaces, integrated and clean transport, and vibrant urban settings. With a minimum 100-year design life, this station will facilitate low-carbon travel for generations.

Arup’s expertise, particularly in managing complex, large-scale projects, was instrumental in delivering a project that will significantly enhance Sydney’s public transport network.

David Langford

General Manager, Construction – NSW, Lendlease

Pedestrian walkway in the station
Learn more about Sydney Metro Martin Place integrated station development, a new precinct where people can work, shop, dine and travel

Integrated approach

Space is limited in Sydney’s central business district at Martin Place, a bustling finance and business hub surrounded by heritage buildings. To realise Macquarie Group’s vision, we creatively used space above and below ground to maximise the development’s value and to benefit users. 

Unlike typical station designs that segregate above and below ground structures, we created a precinct integrating the metro station and two tower developments with shared entrances. An integrated building services strategy that includes housing some of the station’s electrical, communications, and ventilation systems within the towers, optimises space usage for both the towers and station. The detailed and integrated structural and building services design also allowed the realisation of an additional concourse level in the station’s south entrance area, significantly enhancing the potential for passenger engagement. 

Our integrated approach allows users to enjoy a more open and welcoming space, fostering a cohesive environment where movement between the station and towers is seamless. Hard barriers are removed, promoting inclusivity without separate entrances or spaces. The precinct features enhanced public amenities, such as natural light, new and restored public art, and seating. This approach was shaped by extensive community engagement and a human-centered design philosophy. We also used our in-house MassMotion software to simulate passenger flows to ensure safe and efficient journeys for all.

Massmotion gif showing people movement

Our MassMotion technology analysed passenger flow to ensure safe and efficient journeys

Entrance to the new Sydney Martin Metro Place station

The entrance to Sydney Metro Martin Place Station © Brett Boardman Photography

Entrances ways into the station include an array of artwork

Public art, seating and connections to the metro station and offices © Brett Boardman Photography

Platform with train doors open

Platform at Sydney Metro Martin Place Station © Brett Boardman Photography

Tunnelling complexity

Underneath the precinct is a complex maze of tunnels – Sydney’s existing T4 Eastern Suburbs Line (ESL), Sydney Metro’s tunnels connecting to the metro station, and a new pedestrian tunnel connecting people to the station and north and south buildings. The tunnels also intersect several critical services, including heritage sewers, utility tunnels, heritage building foundations, and electrical routes.  

The ESL, which runs directly underneath the south tower, had to remain operational during construction. Our structural, geotechnical and tunnelling engineers worked together with the architects to find the best solution to locate the foundations for the building while protecting the movement-sensitive live tunnels below.  The solution was 30-metre-deep piles bored from 2.5m above the ESL tunnel’s crown, offset 1.5m from the tunnel walls. A steel sleeve and a large steel section cast into the concrete pile increased stiffness and protected the ESL tunnel without impacting the rail services. 

The pedestrian tunnel is located underneath 50 Martin Place, a one hundred year old heritage building. The ornately finished building is sensitive to ground movement. We undertook 2D and 3D analytical modelling to assess the design of tunnel support for ground and building loads, understand the building’s behaviour, and estimate the surrounding ground deformation and foundation settlement of the building. We designed a unique tunnel lining with a series of steel arches used as both temporary support and permanent structure. A strict instrumentation and monitoring regime provided the design and construction team with live movement data during the works.

Sydney Metro Martin Place
3D render showcasing the complex layering of structure over new and existing tunnels that service rail and pedestrians

A sustainable legacy

We collaborated closely with Lendlease and the supply chain to develop concrete mixes that minimised embodied carbon while ensuring the performance and durability of the structure. Our team rigorously assessed the structure and components to ensure their long-term durability and, where required, safe and simple maintenance. 

The two commercial towers have been designed with a target to achieve the highest possible sustainability credentials – the Green Building Council of Australia’s Design and As Built 6 Star Green Star rating. Features include the capture and re-use of rainwater, optimising indoor air quality and energy performance, installing renewable energy systems, implementing smart technology, and maximising natural light throughout the journey from platform level. Cycle parking facilities encourage travellers to combine active travel and public transport. The result is a design that meets Australia’s highest possible sustainability credentials for green buildings and will facilitate low-carbon travel for years to come. 

Partners & collaborators

Lendlease