A state significant development application is currently on exhibition with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a two-tower “vertical village” within Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct, two kilometres north-west of Parramatta’s CBD.
Designed by Group GSA, the $223.5 million proposal at 93 Bridge Road comprises 549 apartments, 80 of which are designated as affordable housing for essential workers and low-income residents, located across two towers rising 27 and 28 storeys high.
A release from the architect notes that the project, which includes rezoning of an amalgamated 8,663-square-metre site, is one of the first to be selected under the Housing Delivery Acceleration program – an initiative of the state’s Housing Delivery Authority that offers a pathway for concurrent rezoning and SSD assessment in order to fast-track residential development.
“The mixed-use development responds to growing housing demand in Westmead’s Health and Innovation Precinct and aligns with the Westmead Place Strategy, which outlines a vision to transform the suburb into a globally significant hub for health, research and education,” the release reads.
The precinct comprises four major hospitals, four medical research institutes and two university campuses. Group GSA’s communique notes that Westmead is “earmarked as one of Australia’s largest health and biomedical research districts,” and is expected to support over 50,000 full-time workers and more than 10,000 students by 2036.
In order to support this evolution of Westmead, the proposed development is designed to cater to a diversity of household types and needs, comprising 304 one-bedroom, 225 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom dwellings.
Group GSA associate principal and project director Noura Thaha said the development has been designed to provide “high-quality, diverse housing for the people who power the precinct – from nurses and students to researchers and emergency services personnel.”
Many dwellings have been designed to the Silver Level Liveable Housing Guidelines, with adaptable layouts to support ageing in place and residents with changing mobility needs.
Group GSA director Lisa-Maree Carrigan commented, “We’ve designed a vertical village that’s walkable, inclusive and future-ready — one that supports long-term liveability and is deeply connected to Country.”
Developed through a Connecting with Country consultation process, the design response embeds Indigenous knowledge in the site interpretation and landscaping, and the selection of “a layered, earthy material palette ingrained in the local context and climate.”
Along with elevated communal terraces, the top of the textural brick podium is designed to connect residents to sky Country by providing views to Parramatta Park, the Parramatta River and Toongabbie Creek. The proposed ground floor opens up to a network of public walkways, landscaped areas and more than 3,000 square metres of communal open space, as well as a 1000-square-metre public park designed to connect to the creek corridor, featuring nature and water play areas, and Indigenous plantings and storytelling elements.
Above, the proposed tower facades are expressed in light, contrasting tones. The release notes that these forms are punctuated by “vertical forests and pollinator corridors that enhance the natural amenity of communal balconies and shared spaces.”
Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2026 and be complete by 2029. The proposal is on public exhibition until 10 July 2025.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
