Bradfield, Sydney’s ambitious new urban development, is poised to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities, according to its designers at Hatch.
This announcement comes on the heels of the New South Wales government’s approval of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan and the inaugural flight from the Western Sydney International Airport.
Located just a five-minute metro ride from the new airport, Bradfield is set to feature 10,000 homes and generate 20,000 jobs.
The city’s design prioritises sustainability and connection to the natural environment, with over 30 per cent of its area dedicated to parklands.
Stephen Moore, a Partner at Hatch, emphasised the project’s high expectations and its potential to address Sydney’s growth pressures while tackling Western Sydney’s environmental challenges.
“We used our Great Places Framework to drive innovation and the world’s best practice,” Moore stated.
A key feature of Bradfield’s design is its integration of First Nations knowledge and culture.
The city will include a 2.2 kilometres First Nations ‘green loop’ cultural trail, featuring natural materials, endemic plantings, and First Nations art.
Sam George, Hatch Principal, noted that this approach “could create a model for Australian cities that values First Nations culture and knowledge”.
The Master Plan allocates 31 per cent of the city to parks and 20 per cent to green streets, aiming to create a cooler, more liveable environment in an area prone to heatwaves.
Additionally, a minimum of 80 per cent of roofs must be covered with bio-solar surfaces to boost passive cooling and clean energy generation.
Inspired by walkable European cities, Bradfield will comprise ‘micro-neighbourhoods’ of 200 to 300 metres across, each with a distinct identity.
The city is also set to become Australia’s most bike-friendly urban centre, with extensive cycleways rivalling those in Rotterdam.
Infrastructure development is already underway, with the NSW government investing in a Metro line and rapid bus network that will be operational from day one.
The city’s central two-hectare park will also be ready for the opening day, providing a focal point for community building.
Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison, envisions the 114-hectare site becoming “a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and act as a central gathering place for arts, culture, and entertainment”.
As Bradfield takes shape, its designers are confident that it will live up to the hype.
“From the embedded First Nations knowledge, greenery, neighbourhood design, transport and infrastructure investment, Bradfield has all the ingredients to become the most sustainable city in Australia or even the world,” concluded Sam George.
