Sydney Metro West, The Bays Station
The area between Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station was transitioned from an asphalt-covered brownfield site to a vital transport hub as part of The Bays Station on the new Sydney Metro West line.
The project
Location: The Bays Station, Glebe, Sydney on Wongal Country
Artefact was commissioned by Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture (AFJV) on behalf of Sydney Metro to develop an Archaeological Research Design and Excavation Methodology (ARD) to guide the excavation and analysis of The Bays Station site. The White Bay Power Station is a State heritage listed item constructed in 1912 to supply power for the increased Sydney tram and rail network.
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Acciona Ferrovial Joint Venture for Sydney Metro
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Archaeological Research Design and Excavation Methodology
Archaeological salvage excavation
Historical Archaeologic Excavation Report
Historical research
Heritage solution
We undertook a comprehensive historical archaeology program involving site assessments, historical investigation, excavation, documentation, research and analysis.
Key discoveries included:
White Bay Roundhouse and Turntable (early 20th-century railway system)
Transit Storage Depot (World War II Warehouses)
Cooling Water System (Outlet Open Channel from the 1950s)
Balmain Coal Loader
The findings underscore White Bay's evolution from a simple cove to a vital intermodal transport hub.
The process allowed for the discovery of significant historical artefacts and heritage elements which now form part of an important public archive in the form of Artefact’s detailed Excavation Director’s report and a 3D video of the historic 70-foot locomotive turntable.
Our efforts not only mitigated the impact of construction on archaeological finds but also unveiled a fascinating narrative of Sydney’s industrial evolution.
The results of the archaeological program will inform the interpretation and place-making outcomes at the new Sydney Metro station. This fosters a sense of community pride and interest in local history.
“It was a privilege to work on this important transport infrastructure project and help preserve our shared industrial heritage.”