Billbergia, Metrics File $2.2bn ‘Concord Central’ Scheme

Developer Billbergia and joint-venture partners Metrics Credit Partners have filed plans for a $2.2-billion precinct in Sydney’s Concord West.

Under the State Significant Development Application process, the masterplanned community, dubbed Concord Central, would deliver 1336 homes. 

The scheme is expected to go on exhibition in coming weeks, while construction may get under way by late 2026. Completion is slated for 2029.

The proposal for eight residential towers of 6 to 37 storeys is a reduction in height on the original plans filed with the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA). Floor space ratio remains upwards of 4.5:1, while the first iteration of the project held a 2.23:1 FSR as a local planning application.  

The 3.14ha site at 1 King Street would include a mixed-use component—5100sq m of retail space and 5000sq m of open space form core components of the project. A civic plaza and a childcare centre are also planned.

The project has had a number of iterations. A version lodged in January 2024 proposed 700 apartments, 7600sq m of retail space, and an FSR of 2.65:1 across 10 towers of 4 to 12 storeys.

Billbergia development director Saul Moran told The Urban Developer that community and amenity were major elements of the developer’s approach to design.

“We’re looking to implement more retail now through the HDA as well ... that’s really trying to make it a self-sustainable suburb, a suburb that has everything: shopping, open space and obviously fantastic homes to live,” Moran said.

“The additional open space was a real driver of ours, actually, to create smaller, more slender towers; more outlook and amenity for the residential [component]. 

▲ Concord Central will be the heart and central nexus of the suburb, according to Billbergia.

“And to create a central park, a real sense of community, and an amazing backyard for people to live in, right downstairs, right at the doorstep.”

Design masterplanning was done by architects GroupGSA, with additional architectural work by Fitzpatrick Partners, Lachlan Seegers and Carter Williamson.

Direct access to the Concord West train station is folded into plans, as well as a green through-way for pedestrians and cyclists, and a loop road connecting King and George streets. More than $100 million of infrastructure contributions will be generated by the project.

Moran said that the public transport links and the community focus gave Billbergia the right to claim the title of “Concord Central” for the project.

“This project has the best position. It’s right next to the T9 line, and implementing retail really will give it the gravitas that it needs,” Moran said.

“We really see this as the heart and the central nexus of the whole development, and development uplift coming in the future.”

Billbergia plans to submit a revised HDA application for another Rhodes project at Leeds Street, and a Chatswood project with Metrics, before the end of the year.