The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan has been approved, putting in motion the development of a brand-new city around Western Sydney’s new airport.
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 ten per cent will be affordable housing. The Master Plan developed by the Bradfield Development Authority (formerly the Western Parkland City Authority), includes over two million square metres of mixed-use Gross Floor Space for commercial and retail opportunities.
It will be a unique walkable parkland city for residents, workers and visitors, with the plan outlining areas for commercial, light industrial, open and residential spaces across the 114ha mixed-use city centre, within 400m of the new Bradfield Metro station.
Expansive new public open space areas are proposed across the city centre, including:
- A 2ha 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 36ha of public open space on a 114ha mixed use site with amenities, shops and jobs
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.
Planning for the Bradfield City Centre will have a strong focus on culture, creativity and innovation across the precinct’s vast green parkland environment.
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 New South Wales 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. 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.
The final approved Master Plan will be available here, including amendments that have been made in response to submissions received during public exhibition.
New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, said that the government is committed to building better communities in Western Sydney, with the masterplan for Bradfield City Centre setting out an exciting vision for a new world-class city.
“As we work towards the opening of Western Sydney Airport, this area has enormous potential to provide new employment and business opportunities in manufacturing, freight, health and agriculture,” Minister Car said.
“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.”
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said that with the approval of the Master Plan, Australia has seen genuine momentum build around its 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,” Minister Scully 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.
“I look forward to watching Bradfield develop and evolve over the coming years.”
Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison, said that this is a significant milestone for the development of the Aerotropolis.
“Investment needs certainty and this Master Plan helps provide that,” Mr Morrison said.
“The Master Plan is fundamental to driving a true legacy project at Bradfield City Centre. This 114ha 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 2ha Central Park in the heart of the city, has attracted interest from both local and international parties.”
Bradfield Development Authority Chair, Jennifer Westacott, said that this Master Plan is backed in by world-class urban design and sustainability principles.
“It is the genesis for building an extraordinary new city, underway now,” Ms Westacott said.
“This plan has capacity for 10,000 homes and over 20,000 jobs, as part of more than 100,000 across the Aerotropolis.
“Many new jobs will be ripe for the ever increasingly skilled, trained and educated workforce across Western Sydney. Imagine industries of the future like advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and quantum, with Bradfield acting as a magnet for innovation and investment across New South Wales and Australia.
“The Bradfield Development Authority is laser focused on building this city in partnership with the private sector, starting with Superlot 1 well underway, and fully leveraging Bradfield’s proximity to the new 24/7 airport. This will ensure local people and industries are connected with global opportunities, and visitors are welcomed to enjoy all that this new city and extraordinary region has to offer.”
Image: ABCDstock/shutterstock.com
