Get a glimpse of ‘Australia’s first new city in over 100 years’
The NSW government has formally adopted the master plan for one of the country’s “biggest urban development projects ever undertaken”.
Bradfield City Centre, a 114-hectare residential and commercial hub set for development in the surrounds of the new Western Sydney International Airport, has received the official green light.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, has approved the Bradfield City Centre’s master plan, establishing the framework for the city’s development over the next 30 years.
The master plan developed by Bradfield Development Authority (formerly the Western Parkland City Authority) was exhibited for public comment between 5 February and 4 March 2024, and has since incorporated a range of amendments that will reportedly improve the city’s structure and layout as well as planning controls.
With the master plan now set to be carried out, the government estimated that the city will eventually provide over 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes – of which at least 10 per cent will be affordable housing.
The NSW government stressed, however, that “no building or construction works are proposed to be undertaken as part of the master plan” with all future development being “subject to separate planning applications”.
Minister Scully expressed that the approval has “seen genuine momentum build around Australia’s first new city in over 100 years”.
“More skilled jobs, close to where people live, and the right infrastructure will improve the lives of young people and families in Western Sydney,” he said.
“While this city will not pop up overnight, the now approved master plan is set to drive major growth over the years and for generations to come.”
Alongside the NSW government’s $1 billion investment into Bradfield's development, the city is expected to attract “billions more in private investment” starting with the open market land release of a “4.8 hectare superlot” within the area.
In addition to these private investment offerings, the NSW government stated that the “appointment of Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded partner” will be announced in 2025.
Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison, said that the approval of the master plan has helped to provide prospective investors with certainty and has “attracted interest from both local and international parties”.
“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,” he noted.
Located within the developing Western Sydney Aerotropolis economic centre, interest in the project is expected to accelerate with the opening of Nancy Bird Walton Airport – planned for late 2026.
Speaking on the city’s future economic prospects, Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, described the area as having “enormous potential to provide new employment and business opportunities in manufacturing, freight, health, and agriculture”.
“This opportunity to provide highly paid, skilled jobs in the Western Sydney area is a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to seeing Bradfield deliver for our community,” she concluded.