Australia’s first new city in over 100 years: How CBRE Development & Infrastructure helped plan it

More than 10,000 cities span the globe today with each playing a crucial role in shaping how humans interact. Building a new city from the ground up demands an exacting vision and the right expertise to turn conception into a thriving community. Bradfield City Centre is one of these special cities, the first major city to be built in Australia in over a century – and CBRE’s leading infrastructure and development specialists were integral in helping to bring this project to life. 

At 114 hectares, one of the largest urban developments to ever be undertaken in the country, Bradfield City Centre will pave a new way of life for the communities of today and tomorrow. Situated adjacent to the new Western Sydney International Airport at the heart of the Aerotropolis Core Precinct, the success of the new city will be underpinned by numerous community-building features: 

• A dedicated Metro Station to support tourism, economic activity and employment 
• Advanced manufacturing and future-focused industries designed to act as a magnet for innovation in the heart of Western Sydney 
• High-quality jobs at the doorstep of Western Sydney residents 
• A premiere destination for tourism and entertainment with access to over half the world’s population via a 14-hour flight 

“The focus of designing Bradfield City Centre was about providing a master plan that enabled high-tech industry, advanced manufacturing, housing and retail support to reinforce the emergence of Australia’s first new major city in 100 years,” explains Nick Graham, CBRE Development & Infrastructure’s Managing Principal. 

“We’re committed to driving superior outcomes while delivering a city which is thoughtfully planned with respect to the environmental and social drivers. It’s about ensuring equitable and adequate housing and employment opportunities for the greater good of Western Sydney residents as well as the state.” 

Bradfield City Centre Master Plan 

Shared streets of Bradfield City Centre 

In 2026, the Western Sydney International Airport will officially commence operation alongside advanced manufacturing buildings bolstering the area’s local growth.  

CBRE was engaged to manage and deliver the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan application on behalf of the Bradfield Development Authority (then Western Parkland City Authority). The Master Plan establishes a design and planning framework for future development within Bradfield City Centre. This includes road networks, indicative land uses, key built form parameters, an open space network, sustainability strategy, social and infrastructure strategy, and infrastructure servicing strategy. 

During CBRE’s involvement from 2021 to 2023, it was imperative that the Development & Infrastructure team satisfied specific timeframes to coincide with critical project commitments. 

“CBRE’s early engagement enabled us to oversee the urban design and conceptual master plan through to the submission,” explains Nick.  

“We delivered several iterations of the master plan through extensive stakeholder consultation and the Technical Assurance Panel (TAP) process. Ultimately, we had to ensure the delivery of the NSW Government’s priorities as well as the requirements of relevant authority bodies, stakeholders, and the community. The key benefit of our early involvement allowed us to consider the requirements and adequately address these as part of the master plan process.” 

Building benefits for a better tomorrow 

There are endless possibilities for Bradfield City Centre and Nick is especially captivated by the project’s potential beyond its official completion date.  

“It’s extraordinary to believe that the master plan team’s contribution has helped set the blueprint for the city and the foundation for future growth, not only assisting the state with employment targets but increasing employment opportunities for the people of Western Sydney. 

“Bradfield City Centre holds real sentimental value as it's not just a project to me – it's shaping the future for many generations to come.” 

The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan will provide a clear blueprint for the development of a visionary city boasting a transport network, block structure, infrastructure, public domain and open space. The broader benefits will include diverse and equitable housing, employment opportunities, increased connectivity, arts and culture, and a platform for prioritising Country in a future-focused city.  

“The Master Plan will allow for residential housing supply around the city by establishing developable land parcels to stimulate economic and private investment. The majority of the city centre is within 400 metres walking distance of the Aerotropolis Metro station, promoting a walkable city.”  

A great city built with our greatest talents 

Bradfield City’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) 

Bold ambition underscores every aspect of Bradfield City Centre. It’s why it requires the right team to deliver the big results on time. CBRE was privileged to work with the Bradfield City Centre Team in delivering the Master Plan for Australia’s newest City. 

“Our ultimate aim was to develop a Master Plan with high quality amenities and civic spaces, while attracting advanced industries to support the health and well-being of the workers, residents and visitors to the city. We wanted to do all of this while prioritising Country, mobility and sustainability,” says Nick. 

The Development & Infrastructure team leveraged its experience in strategic partnering and combined it with their deep understanding of data and insights to deliver an integrated master plan for Bradfield City Centre.  

It’s why CBRE has been a leading partner in developing successful places for people to thrive since 1906.