Greater Sydney & Central West Bradfield City's First Building
Contact point
NSW Public Works (NSWPW) played a key role in developing Bradfield City Centre, overseeing the construction of its First Building. The First Building represents a step forward in blending modern design with both functionality and sustainability.
Background
Bradfield City Centre is one of the biggest urban development projects ever undertaken in Australia and the first major city to be built in over 100 years. Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) are working to establish the city centre into a thriving, 24/7 global city of culture, creativity and innovation.
NSW Public Works (NSWPW) were engaged by the BDA to project manage the design, construction, and handover of the building. Our role also involved ensuring compliance with State Significant Development conditions, including stringent environmental, safety and community impact regulations.
Project overview
The First Building
Comprising a 3,500 sqm (GFA) building that incorporates the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) hall, events/function capability and commercial office space. The building embodies the core objectives of Bradfield City Centre as a high tech hub of culture, creativity and innovation.
The First Building is an important first step in the delivery of Bradfield City Centre, serving as the foundation building for the precinct. Designed by architects, Hassell Studios, the First Building is an innovative building designed to incorporate commercial tenants and public experience area, including a roof top viewing platform for the evolving Bradfield City Centre.
Key design features
- Unique urban pavilion design of three buildings under one roof, including an advanced manufacturing hall, offices and a space for exhibitions, talks and events
- Rooftop viewing platform and green roof
- Large roof structure for solar energy generation and water collection for reuse
- Low embodied carbon materials including timber and rammed earth
Sustainably and Connection with Country
In line with BDA sustainability objectives, the First Building is designed to achieve a high Green Star Building rating. It incorporates Indigenous culture within design outcomes, and sets a benchmark for sustainability and innovation, with design that is unique to place and embraces its function as an advanced manufacturing facility.
Low embodied carbon materials | Energy generation | Recycled water | Circular economy |
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The project was officially completed December 2024, marking a major milestone in the development of Bradfield City and advanced manufacturing in NSW.
Awards
The award-winning First Building has been recognised by multiple institutions for its design, impact and commitment to sustainability including:
Award | Recognition and category |
|---|---|
Boomtown Project of the Year Awards | Winner: Outstanding Innovation Project |
NSW Architecture Awards (AIA) | Winner: Sustainable Architecture |
NSW Architecture Awards (AIA) | Winner: Premier's Prize |
National Architecture Awards (AIA) | Winner: David Oppenheim Award for Sustainability |
MBA Excellence in Construction Awards (NSW) | Winner: Excellence in Sustainability - commercial |
MBA Excellence in Construction Awards (NSW) | Winner: Best Use of Timber |
MBA National Awards | Winner: Sustainability in a Commercial Building |
Australian Good Design Awards | Winner: Social Impact |
Australian Good Design Awards | Winner: Sustainability |
Australian Good Design Awards | Gold Winner |
Project Management Achievement Awards | Winner: Government Project |
Australian Timber Design Awards | Winner |
Holdmark Innovation Award (Powerhouse Museum) | Winner |
UDIA NSW Awards for Excellence in Urban Development | Winner: Excellence in Sustainability |
Sustainability Awards | Winner: Commercial (large) |
Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards | Shortlisted: Innovation Development |
Dezeen Design Awards | Shortlisted: Workplace |
Dezeen Design Awards | Shortlisted: Sustainability |
Urban Developer Awards for Industry Excellence 2025 | Shortlisted: Sustainability |
Biophilic Design Awards 2025 | Shortlisted: Building scale projects |
Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture NSW Awards | Shortlisted: Civic Landscape |
NSW Architecture Awards (AIA) | Commendation for Commercial architecture |
Read more about the project First Building - Bradfield Development Authority (wpca.sydney).