Australian architecture firm to design first Bradfield building

Designers of Sydney's iconic International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour and Perth's Optus Stadium have been engaged to bring the first building in the Bradfield City Centre to life.

Internationally-recognised architecture firm Hassell has been appointed to design an advanced manufacturing hub in the Bradfield City Centre, the new precinct being built next to the Western Sydney International Airport.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres made the announcement at the Western Parkland City Authority industry stakeholder event, 'Tomorrow's City Today – Opportunities in the Bradfield City Centre and Western Parkland City'.

He said appointing the architects for the Bradfield City Centre's first building was a major step towards kicking off development of Australia's most ambitious city-building project of the last century.

"In June the NSW Government committed $1.15 billion to kickstart the work on the Bradfield City Centre and we are fast out of the blocks on delivery with a design commission for a high-tech, share-use hub that will be the first building in Australia's newest city," Mr Ayres said.

"With the Bradfield City Centre land now transferred to New South Wales from the Commonwealth we can commence the design of our first building that will not only house industries of the future but will also provide a location for citizens to see our newest city come to life around them.

"The building will foster collaborative innovation between research institutions and industry partners," Mr Ayres said. "The Bradfield City Centre will become a global hub for an advanced industry cluster including defence and aerospace industries, manufacturing and logistics, future transport industries, construction technology, and new energy and circular economy industries."

It will also be a "good neighbour" as part of a dynamic, smart, future-ready precinct that will support up to 17,600 highly skilled jobs.

Hassell Principal, Liz Westgarth, said the design of new development will showcase the vision and values of Bradfield.

"This advanced manufacturing hub will not only be a catalyst for high-value jobs and new industry, the design will also help facilitate collaboration and innovation between global industries. As it is the first building for the Bradfield City Centre it will also have a key focus on design and sustainability," Ms Westgarth said.

The NSW Government has committed $47.8 million for the high-tech first building, which will include shared-use equipment allowing research institutions and industry to collaborate; and landscaping works.

The building will also include a visitor's centre to allow people to experience the progress of Sydney's newest city centre and the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line station that will connect it to the airport and the existing public transport system.

The NSW Government has lodged a Request for Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the First Building and will consult with the community as part of the State Significant Development planning and assessment process.

It is anticipated that the first building will be completed in 2023.

Read the original media release here.