Home Property Australia Bradfield City Centre Masterplan gets the green light – here’s what’s in it

Bradfield City Centre Masterplan gets the green light – here’s what’s in it

  • September 11, 2024
  • by Property Australia
Bradfield City Centre’s Master Plan has been formally adopted

A brand-new city is set to rise around Western Sydney’s new Airport following the formal adoption of Bradfield City Centre’s Master Plan.

The vision of Bradfield city will build on significant momentum already underway across the Aerotropolis, with the Nancy Bird Walton Airport set to open in late 2026.

In the future, the ambitious and city shaping project could provide over 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes – of which at least 10 per cent will be affordable housing.

The plan outlines areas for commercial, light industrial, open and residential spaces across the 114-hectare mixed-use city centre, within 400m of the new Bradfield Metro station.

The Master Plan developed by the Bradfield Development Authority (formerly the Western Parkland City Authority), includes over 2 million square metres of mixed-use Gross Floor Space for commercial and retail opportunities.

Expansive new public open space areas are proposed across the city centre, including:

  • A two hectare city-scaled Central Park located adjacent to the Metro and bus interchange.
  • A naturally integrated swimming area on Moore Gully.
  • Major events space on Thompsons Creek for concerts and community events.
  • New urban greening approaches to provide access to over 36 hectares of public open space on a 114-hectare mixed use site with amenities, shops and jobs.

The Masterplan features a Green Loop, an Aboriginal cultural trail that weaves through the city, offering spaces to connect with Country, share stories and honour Aboriginal culture.

The plan has an ambitious 40 per cent tree canopy cover goal to ensure extensive greenery and a world-class network of separated bike lanes and safe cycling streets will be created.

Most of Bradfield City Centre is zoned Mixed Use, allowing for a diverse mix of commercial, civic, and residential spaces that create a vibrant city centre.

The northern area, north of Metro Link Boulevard, is zoned Enterprise, permitting commercial and light industrial uses, but not residential, to support the region’s strategic employment and industry goals around the Aerotropolis.

Under the Aerotropolis Precinct Plan a maximum height of buildings of 62m is established across the Bradfield City Centre.

Ahead of the opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026, new development and infrastructure will also be accelerated following amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP). The SEPP provides an optional master planning process for owners of large or strategic sites in the heart of the Aerotropolis.

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 is backed by $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and will unlock billions more in private investment, with the first land release for a 4.8-hectare Superlot now going through an open market process. This process will inform the provision of essential services for the region, including future schools.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Superlot received widespread interest, both locally and internationally. Shortlisted EOI participants are now invited to bid to develop the Superlot in partnership with the Authority.

The appointment of Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded development partner will follow in 2025.

Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison said the Master Plan helps to provide investment certainty.

“The Master Plan is fundamental to driving a true legacy project at Bradfield City Centre. This 114-hectare site 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 first land release at Bradfield City Centre for commercial, retail and 1,000 homes, is in a market process now, which will inform the provision of essential services, including future schools. The opportunity for a premier site adjacent to the 2 hectare Central Park in the heart of the city, has attracted interest from both local and international parties.”

Property Council NSW Western Sydney Regional Director Ross Grove said approval of the Plan was a clear sign of tangible progress that would drive market and investor confidence.

“This is a historic moment – Australia’s first new city in a century has just been given the green light and the approved Master Plan provides the mould for future investors and developers to plan for the city’s future with confidence.

“After a period of uncertainty about its future, the NSW Government’s revamping of the Bradfield Delivery Authority under Ken Morrison and the restructure of infrastructure responsibilities in Western Sydney is starting to bear fruit.

“Bradfield is back on track and the residents of Western Sydney stand to benefit.

“With pre-existing commitments to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility and a role for CSIRO on-site, Bradfield is being built with innovation and advanced manufacturing at its heart – and this means more opportunity for future industries to emerge across the region.”

Mr Grove said the next step is the confirmation of participants in the bid process for Superlot1 – the first significant land release – to set the stage for future development.

“Superlot1 is the first big slice of this new city, laying the foundation for what’s to come,” he said.

“The Property Council advocated for changes to the master planning framework that enabled this Master Plan to proceed in a carefully considered and efficient manner.

“Approval of the Master Plan is the tangible step we’ve all been waiting for, moving us closer to realising the dream of Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

“The Property Council supports the vision for Bradfield, pushing for the roads, employment lands, and infrastructure to turn the vision into reality,” Mr Grove said.