In 2020, work started at The Bays on this city shaping project. In March 2021, the project received its first major planning approval for the Project Concept between Westmead and the Sydney CBD and station excavation and tunnelling between Westmead and The Bays, and in September 2022 the project received its second major approval for station excavation and tunnelling between The Bays and Sydney CBD.

A third planning application was submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment in 2022 for rail infrastructure, stations, precincts and operations between Westmead and the Sydney CBD and was approved in 2023.

Sydney Metro has also commenced planning for over and adjacent station development at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, Hunter Street (West and East) and Pyrmont.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure granted approval for over station development at Hunter Street Station East and Hunter Street station West in April 2024.

Environmental Impact Statements for over station development at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Pyrmont are currently under assessment. In December 2023, following the NSW Government’s independent review into Sydney Metro, it was announced Sydney Metro would prepare scoping studies for up to two potential station locations west of Sydney Olympic Park, including one at Rosehill Gardens which could support a significant increase in housing.