AUSTRALIA. Sydney Airport has selected global firms Grimshaw and Mott MacDonald to lead the design and engineering for the landmark T2-T3 terminal link project, a key component of the airport’s A$6 billion capital works programme.
The firms were appointed through a competitive global tender process to form a panel supporting the design and delivery of the airport’s infrastructure project pipeline over the next five years.
The initiative reflects the airport’s new procurement framework, replacing its project-by-project model with a long-term, integrated delivery approach.
Building the next phase of Sydney Airport’s development
Leveraging its international aviation experience, Grimshaw has been appointed to lead the architectural design of the T2-T3 terminal link.
The global architecture practice is recognised for major airport projects, including London Heathrow, Istanbul, Lima, New York JFK and Shenzhen.
Mott MacDonald is overseeing engineering for the project, combining global expertise and Australian operations to deliver terminal, civil, structural and building services engineering.
Selected after a rigorous technical and commercial evaluation process, both firms reflect their strong alignment with Sydney Airport’s ambition for an efficient, resilient and world-class passenger experience.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said, “Our A$6 billion capital programme is critical to maintaining an efficient, high-quality experience for airlines and passengers as we grow towards our Master Plan forecast of 72 million passengers a year by 2045.
“By partnering with world-class firms like Grimshaw and Mott MacDonald, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver major projects that support jobs, economic growth and Sydney’s role as Australia’s global gateway.”
Sydney Airport Group Executive, Planning and Delivery Paul Willis emphasised that the framework approach aligns with the scale and complexity of the upcoming infrastructure programme.
He said, “We would like to congratulate Grimshaw and Mott MacDonald on their appointment to the panel.
“Establishing long-term partnerships with leading design and engineering firms gives us greater consistency across projects, improves coordination between disciplines, and helps us move faster from concept to delivery while maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability and design quality.”
Grimshaw Group Managing Partner Mark Middleton added, “We are proud to partner with Sydney Airport on this landmark project, bringing our global aviation experience to help shape a terminal that will deliver an outstanding passenger experience while supporting long-term capacity and sustainability.”
Mott MacDonald Managing Director, Australia Frances Badelow commented, “We look forward to working with Sydney Airport to deliver a future-ready terminal, applying our engineering expertise and strong local capability to support the airport’s next phase of transformation.”
Supporting Sydney Airport’s Master Plan 2045
The T2-T3 terminal link is an important part of Sydney Airport’s preliminary draft Master Plan 2045, supporting its target of 72 million passengers annually by 2045.
One of the airport’s most ambitious projects to date, the T2-T3 terminal development will improve connectivity, boost capacity, enhance efficiency for airlines and support growth.
The link will add terminal space and 12 swing gates for domestic and international flights.
The initial stage of the project will include early design plans, site surveys and risk identification to support upcoming approvals and planning.
The airport company noted that its shift to long-term design partnerships enables faster decision-making, stronger integration across disciplines, and greater consistency and efficiency across its entire infrastructure portfolio.
Additional consultants and contractors selected to support Sydney Airport’s capital works programme will be announced in the coming weeks. ✈
