Canberra Metro Stage 1

Client:
ACT Government

Location:
Canberra, ACT

Completion:
2018

Certification Rating:
Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Council of
Australia Design v1 Excellent Rating

Architectus provided urban design, architecture and landscape design services for the winning consortium Canberra Metro. In February 2016, the consortium was selected to deliver the first stage of the Canberra Light Rail project, which is part of an overall master plan to deliver faster, more convenient and more sustainable transport options for Canberra over the next 20 years.

The Canberra Light Rail represented a major public infrastructure development for the Australian capital. The project was unusual as there were two clients in the Canberra Metro consortium – the National Capital Authority and the Transport Canberra department of the Australian Capital Territory Government.

With such high community investment in the Canberra Light Rail, Stage 1 would set the tone for subsequent links. Architectus’ design met and exceeded Canberra Metro’s brief for a high-quality Light Rail link that would be attractive, comfortable, provide an uplifting civic presence and a legacy for future generations.

Stage 1 of the Canberra Light Rail encompasses a 12.5km link from Gungahlin to Civic (the Canberra CBD) with 13 stops and a depot and stabling yard and five substations.

The Canberra Light Rail stops have a towering architectural form that reflect on the natural and urban landscapes of Canberra. The materials and finishes are consistent with the quality of other landmark buildings in the National Capital.

The project provides world-class urban design for Canberra. The link enriches the public domain, stimulates urban renewal, provides sustainable transport and builds community pride and identity. The dignified character of Canberra’s Federal Highway precinct is enhanced with the planting of 1200 new native trees along the link.

As the network approaches the city, the landscape design becomes progressively more formal with the splendour of the track running along Northbourne Avenue recalls Burley Griffin’s original plans for a “Grand Boulevard” parading towards Capital Hill.

The Canberra Metro consortium is formed by Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors, John Holland, UGL, Mitsubishi Corporation, Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments, that are working with the ACT Government client representatives at Transport Canberra, Major Projects Canberra and the National Capital Authority. Canberra Metro is tasked with facilitating the operation and maintenance of the project for an initial 20 year contract period.

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Canberra’s light rail has achieved an Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Council of Australia Design v1 Excellent Rating. The IS rating scheme is the only comprehensive system across Australia and New Zealand for evaluating sustainability across the planning, design, construction and operational phases of infrastructure programs, projects, networks and assets.