The way has been cleared for the construction of New South Wales’ first new town in a century, which will include some 10,000 homes.

The New South Wales Government has approved a masterplan for Bradfield Town Centre, which will include commercial, industrial, open space and residential development across a 114ha mixed-use town centre, which is part of the Aerotroplis in Western Sydney and adjacent to the upcoming Nancy Bird Walton Airport, due to open in 2026.

According to authorities, the project could create more than 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new apartments, of which at least 10 percent would be social housing.

The Bradfield Development Authority masterplan includes over 2 million square metres of mixed-use retail and service developments.

The plan includes significant areas of public open space across the city centre, including a 2ha Central Park next to the subway and bus interchange, an integrated swimming area at Moore Gully, a large events space at Thompsons Creek and urban greening solutions to provide access to over 36ha of public open space.

The property is located 60km west of Sydney’s central business district.

The government has said that new development and infrastructure will be accelerated ahead of the opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026 following changes to the City’s Western Parkland Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

The SEPP provides an optional master planning process for owners of large or strategic facilities in the heart of the Aerotropolis.

▲ According to the city authorities, this potential allows for the creation of 20,000 jobs.

“The planning for Bradfield town centre will place a strong emphasis on culture, creativity and innovation within the borough’s extensive green parkland,” the government said.

“Bradfield has also been designed to support the circular economy, with 80 per cent of the roofs fitted with gardens or bio-solar systems to cope with the city’s heat, and climate-resilient design features to maximise energy efficiency and temperature control.”

The investment has been supported by $1 billion from the NSW Government and will “unlock billions of dollars of further private investment”, with the first land release for the 4.8-hectare “super allotment” currently going through the open market process, the government said.

“This process will help provide essential services to the region, including future schools.

“The expression of interest in the Superflight has been met with widespread interest, both locally and internationally.

“The EoI participants whose names were shortlisted for the competition were invited to submit a bid for the development of the super plot in cooperation with the authorities.”

Bradfield Development Authority chief executive Ken Morrison said the government’s green light for the masterplan was a significant milestone.

“Investment requires certainty and this master plan helps provide it,” he said.

“(This) is the foundation for driving a true heritage project at Bradfield City Centre… (which) will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving industrial progress and acting as a central meeting place for arts, culture and entertainment, which will be enjoyed and benefited by the diverse communities of Western Sydney.”

The appointment of the Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded development partner is expected to take place next year.