State Greenlights Bradfield City Centre Masterplan

The way has been cleared for the first new city to be built in NSW in a century, delivering about 10,000 homes.

The NSW Government has approved the Bradfield City Centre Masterplan comprising commercial, light industrial, open and residential spaces across a 114ha mixed-use city centre as part of Western Sydney’s Aerotroplis and neighbouring the under-way Nancy Bird Walton Airport that is due to open in 2026.

According to the state, the project could provide more than 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes—of which at least 10 per cent will be affordable housing.

The masterplan developed by the Bradfield Development Authority includes more than 2 million square metres of mixed-use for commercial and retail use.

The plan includes significant public open space areas across the city centre, including a 2ha Central Park next to the Metro and bus interchange; an integrated swimming area on Moore Gully; major events space on Thompsons Creek; and urban greening approaches to provide access to more than 36ha of public open space.

The site is 60km west of the Sydney CBD.

The Government said that ahead of the opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026, new development and infrastructure would be accelerated after amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP).

The SEPP provides an optional masterplanning process for owners of large or strategic sites in the heart of the Aerotropolis.

▲ The city has the potential to create 20,000 jobs, according to the state.

“Planning for the Bradfield City Centre will have a strong focus on culture, creativity and innovation across the precinct’s vast green parkland environment,” according to the Government.

“Bradfield has also been designed to support a circular economy, with 80 per cent of rooftops to feature gardens or bio-solar systems to address urban heat, and climate-resilient design features to maximise energy efficiency and manage temperatures.”

The development was backed by a $1-billion investment from the NSW Government and “will unlock billions more in private investment”, with the first land release for a 4.8ha “superlot” now going through an open-market process, the government said.

“This process will inform the provision of essential services for the region, including future schools.

“The expression-of-interest for the superlot received widespread interest, both locally and internationally.

“Shortlisted EoI participants have now been invited to bid to develop the superlot in partnership with the authority.”

Bradfield Development Authority chief executive Ken Morrison said the Government’s green light for the masterplan was a significant milestone.

“Investment needs certainty and this masterplan helps provide that,” he said.

“[It] is fundamental to driving a true legacy project at Bradfield City Centre ... [which] will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and act as a central gathering place for arts, culture and entertainment for Western Sydney’s diverse communities to enjoy and benefit from.”

The appointment of Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded development partner is due next year.