Sydney Metro Parramatta Station
Aboriginal and Historical Archaeology
Sydney Metro
Parramatta, NSW
Dharug Country
GML Heritage recently reached a major milestone in the archaeological program at Parramatta Metro Station with the completion of archaeological investigations of the station box in advance of construction works.
GML commenced archaeological excavations in early 2022, working with client Gamuda Australia and Laing O’Rourke Consortium to integrate the archaeological works with the construction program.
Led by Excavation Director Abi Cryerhall, a team of around 50 archaeologists, Aboriginal representatives and specialists have worked on the excavation to date. Two stages of excavation have been completed, about 14,000m² of archaeology so far, covering 60% of the Parramatta Metro Station site.
The excavations have resulted in new information about the environment and how it changed over time, revealing significant Aboriginal archaeology, contact-period artefacts, the remains of two convict huts, multiple phases of 19th century domestic and commercial occupation, and evidence of local manufacturers and industries including cordial makers and a printworks.
Our archaeologists have recovered nearly 100,000 artefacts so far and the team is now planning the next phase of analysis, research and reporting.
The public recently had the opportunity to visit the Parramatta Metro Station site during an open day to learn more about the archaeological investigations that have been undertaken by GML.
The archaeology team were on hand to give tours, answer questions and showcase some of the many artefacts that have been uncovered. Visitors were also able to witness some of the team at work.
The GML team is now offsite until next year when our archaeologists return for the final stage of excavation around mid-2024.
