Transport for NSW has appointed property and infrastructure consultancy APP Corporation (APP), together with Arcadis Australia Pacific, as the Independent Certifier for the Parramatta Light Rail Project in Sydney. The 12km, two-way track is expected to commence construction in 2018 and will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
Parramatta Light Rail is one of the latest major projects from NSW Government as part of a substantial infrastructure programme to support major public transport in the region. Considered to be Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta is a rapidly growing area with increasing public transportation needs. The Parramatta Light Rail will provide support to existing transport networks, help to reduce congestion at Parramatta railway crossings and enhance traffic flow on major roads of Sydney.
As Independent Certifier (IC) APP Corporation, in association with Arcadis, play a key role as an independent party in assisting the state and contractors achieve the project goals. This appointment consolidates APP and Arcadis involvement on every major light rail project in Australia.
In addition to these rail projects, APP and Arcadis have provided independent assurance services for transformative infrastructure projects such as Brisbane Airport Link, Seaford Rail Extension in Adelaide, Sydney Metro North West, NorthConnex and WestConnex.
APP’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Castro said, “The requirement for Independent Assurance professionals on multi-billion dollar projects is critical to project governance, as Governments, financiers and contractors demand rigorous accountability.”
“Over the last 13 years APP has assembled a dedicated, national team of Independent Assurance experts working on some of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. Together with Arcadis, we have a strong track record of achievement in providing IV and IC services and we’re proud of our contribution in reshaping Sydney’s public transport footprint” said Adam Castro.
Arcadis’ Acting Australian CEO Malcolm McDowall said, “The Parramatta Light Rail is a key piece of infrastructure that will not only improve connectivity but also the quality of lives of residents in the region.
“Our leading Independent Assurance team has deep expertise across nation-building infrastructure projects and we are very proud to once again partner with APP to bring our light rail experience to such an important project” said Malcolm McDowall.
The project’s key objectives are to help create new job opportunities and communities while connecting important areas and helping both locals and tourists explore and experience everything that the area has to offer. The entire link is vast and will provide fast and easy access from Parramatta’s CBD and train station to Westmead Precinct, Parramatta North Growth Centre, the new Western Sydney Stadium, the Camellia Town Centre, the New Powerhouse Museum and Riverside Theatres, the private and social housing redevelopment at Telopea, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and three Western Sydney University campuses.
Parramatta Light Rail is expected to open in 2023.
About APP
APP is a national, integrated property and infrastructure consultancy offering services across all phases of the capital investment lifecycle - Strategy, Definition, Delivery and Transition. Our services focus on generating and maximising value at every stage of the asset lifecycle. The APP business works on $24B of capital value for over 500 clients across more than 800 projects annually. Our engagements range from providing advice on small, niche assignments to the full spectrum of end-to-end services on major landmark projects, and everything in between. APP is wholly-owned by Broadspectrum, which is part of the Ferrovial Group, one of the world’s leading infrastructure operators and municipal services companies.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is the leading global Design & Consultancy firm for natural and built assets. Applying our deep market sector insights and collective design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services we work in partnership with our clients to deliver exceptional and sustainable outcomes throughout the lifecycle of their natural and built assets. We are 27,000 people active in over 70 countries that generate €3.2 billion in revenues. We support UN-Habitat with knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of life in rapidly growing cities around the world. Arcadis. Improving quality of life.