ACS se impone a FCC para construir el 'superhub' de Melbourne

The Spanish firm ACS has emerged victorious in a bidding war against the FCC, securing the contract to build Melbourne's iconic Sunbury superhub. The project, valued at over $4 billion Australian dollars (roughly €2.5 billion), aims to modernize the Sunshine station, a crucial connection point to Melbourne's new airport and serve as a major rail hub for regional and metropolitan transport.

The consortium led by ACS's Cimic subsidiary was chosen among competitors including FCC, Martinus Rail, Arcadis, and BG&E. While the exact budget remains undisclosed, the projected investment exceeds $4 billion Australian dollars. ACS and its partner Spec will be responsible for widening the train corridor between West Footscray and Albion, adding new tracks, constructing two regional platforms at Sunshine station, and expanding the station's concourse.

The renovation of Sunshine station will transform it into a major transportation hub, linking regional V/Line services, Metro Tunnel trains, and future airport services under one interchange. Key improvements include a new pedestrian and cycling connection along the railway line, a modernized bus station, and public open spaces. Phase 1 of the project will enable over 1,000 trains to pass through Sunshine daily, freeing up capacity for more frequent services on the Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo lines.

The Australian government aims for these improvements to be completed by 2030. ACS, a prominent contractor in Melbourne, has already been involved in the Melbourne airport rail project, winning a lot for the rail works in 2022 alongside John Holland, Aecom, Alstom, KBR, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line, and Rail Projects Victoria.

This year, ACS secured a major contract to expand the Cairns Hospital in Queensland for €640 million, as well as the Perth-Kwinana Motorway in Western Australia at €430 million and the Townsville Correctional Centre in Queensland for another €430 million. In Australia, ACS leads the construction sector, outpacing other Spanish multinational firms like Acciona and Ferrovial.