Plans for a 549-apartment vertical village within Westmead Heath and Innovation Precinct have been unveiled, following the commencement of the exhibition for the rezoning of the strategic site at 93 Bridge Rd and the related State Significant Development Application.
Selected as one of the earliest projects under the Housing Delivery Acceleration program, the state significant development, led by 93 Bridge Road Pty Ltd and designed by our team, will deliver 549 homes, including 80 affordable apartments, across two towers rising 27 and 28 storeys.
The mixed-use development responds to growing housing demand in Westmead’s Health and Innovation Precinct. It aligns with the Westmead Place Strategy, which outlines a vision to transform the suburb into a globally significant health, research and education hub.
Earmarked as one of Australia’s largest health and biomedical research districts, Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct encompasses four major hospitals, four world-leading medical research institutes and two university campuses. By 2036, the precinct will support more than 50,000 full-time workers and over 10,000 students.
The 93 Bridge Rd site is the largest amalgamated land holding identified for residential use in Westmead’s Health and Innovation Sub-Precinct. A planning proposal submitted in 2024 sought an amendment to the Parramatta LEP to raise the maximum building height from 20 metres to 69 metres, enabling construction up to 20 storeys, and increase the floor space ratio from 1.7:1 to 4.25:1.
“This is an incredibly well-connected site – close to Westmead and Wentworthville stations, the new light rail, the metro now under construction and just minutes from Parramatta CBD,” said Director, Lisa-Maree Carrigan. “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.”
Affordable and inclusive housing
The development will deliver a diverse unit mix tailored to various household types and needs, comprising 304 one-bedroom, 225 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom dwellings.
Under the NSW Government’s State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for affordable housing, fifteen per cent of apartments will be dedicated to affordable housing for essential workers and low-income residents. A registered community housing provider will manage the dwellings.
“Westmead is evolving into a world-class health and education precinct,” Associate Principal, Noura Thaha said. “This development supports that by providing 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.
Green space, culture and connection to Country
The design response, informed by a ‘Connecting with Country’ consultation process, is sensitive to Westmead’s distinct local and emerging character. Indigenous knowledge is embedded in the design through material selection, site interpretation, and landscaping, developed in collaboration with local Aboriginal stakeholders.
The architecture incorporates a layered, earthy material palette ingrained in the local context and climate. “The surrounding environment, featuring numerous spotted gum trees and urban residential character, played a key role in shaping the design narrative, which seeks to harmonise with both natural and urban character while evoking a strong sense of place,” Thaha said.
The podium will feature rich, textural brickwork to add visual interest and detail at a pedestrian scale. At the same time, the tower façades above will be expressed in lighter, contrasting tones to articulate the form and volume. The architecture is punctuated by “vertical forests and pollinator corridors” that enhance the natural amenity of communal balconies and shared spaces.
The ground level will be opened up to the community through a network of new walkways, landscaped areas and more than 3000 square metres of communal open space. An additional 1000-square-metre public park will feature nature and water play areas, Indigenous plantings and storytelling elements celebrating local culture and biodiversity.
The formation of a green corridor following the creek line to the east of the two towers will link to the Toongabbie Creek corridor. To the south, a dedicated nature walk with native landscaping will restore and reconnect the site with broader ecological systems.
Podium rooftops and elevated communal terraces will provide views of Parramatta Park, the Parramatta River, and Toongabbie Creek, connecting residents with “sky Country” and regional landscapes.
Strategic location and growth potential
Parramatta is significantly transforming as part of the broader Western Sydney growth corridor. Westmead is earmarked as a future-facing district positioned at the intersection of care, knowledge, innovation and housing.
The proposal is close to the Parramatta River, roughly two kilometres from the Parramatta CBD, and offers significant amenities. It is within 800m walking distance of Westmead and Wentworthville Stations, employment opportunities, and access to open space.
Construction is expected to commence in 2026, subject to planning approval, and much-needed housing and public open space will be delivered by 2029. The proposal is on exhibition with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Noura is an Associate Principal and architect with experience across residential, government, infrastructure developments, and education sectors. She is well-versed in providing development advice and navigating complex statutory regulations to provide comprehensive solutions.