Global architecture practice GroupGSA is leading the design of a new masterplanned community in Sydney’s Inner West, with the proposed development set to deliver 1,336 new homes across eight multi-storeyed residential towers.

Located at 1 King St, Concord West on an underutilised rail-side site, Concord Central is a joint venture between Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners, and masterplanned and designed by GroupGSA with additional architecture by Fitzpatrick + Partners, Carter Williamson and Lachlan Seegers Architect, along with McGregor Coxall for landscape design. The 3.14-hectare property with close proximity to Concord West Station and the upcoming Metro Station, will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use green precinct with direct rail access.

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The $2.2 billion project is one of the largest State Significant Development Applications (SSDAs) to be lodged since the creation of the NSW Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) earlier this year, and is being delivered under HDA’s Alternative Design Excellence Strategy.

The proposal includes eight residential towers ranging from six to 37 storeys, set within 8,750 square metres of open space including a 4,130sqm central park as well as an entry forest, play areas, community gardens and a 316-metre pedestrian and cycle link. Multiple facilities including retail, supermarket, food and beverage, and medical and childcare services will create a vibrant civic area at the ground level.

The project embraces housing diversity with options ranging from townhouses, many of which will be three- and four-bedroom dwellings and live-work formats, to 54 affordable housing apartments.

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“Our design vision for Concord Central is driven by connection and community,” says GroupGSA Director Lisa-Maree Carrigan. “We’ve created a series of human-scaled streets and open spaces that link residents directly to transport, green space and the daily amenities that make neighbourhood life vibrant and enjoyable.”

Concord Central’s masterplanned community comprises three neighbourhood precincts, each designed by different architecture studios and collaborations.

The Station Precinct

Designed by GroupGSA and Lachlan Seegers Architect, The Station Precinct features three towers on a carved podium, which houses the majority of the food and beverage offerings, and a childcare centre. The three buildings will deliver a total of 701 homes.

“Our vision for The Station Precinct was to craft two refined bright towers that embody calmness and generosity within a vibrant new urban village. The forms were shaped by context, sunlight, geometry and proportion to provide apartments that are both beautiful and highly liveable,” says Lachlan Seegers, Director at Lachlan Seegers Architect.

The Park Neighbourhood

Designed by Fitzpatrick + Partners, The Park Neighbourhood comprises three main buildings and a series of pavilions, with the precinct to deliver 414 residential units along with key communal, wellness and leisure spaces, including a library room, spa retreat and the residents’ pool.

“Creating community has been the primary motivator behind The Park Neighbourhood. This is a multi-layered proposition that begins with a Country centred approach, expands through careful design and a deliberate mix of uses focused on the activation of the ground plane to bring the site to life,” explains Paul Reidy, Partner at Fitzpatrick + Partners.

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The Urban Edge

Designed by Carter Williamson, The Urban Edge will deliver 221 terrace house-type apartments across two buildings along a retained leafy George Street featuring mature trees, creating an impression that these homes have always been part of the new urban village.

“Two-storey terrace house-type apartments, each with a front door to the street, activate the street and green spine, bringing life and movement to the local area. The apartments embrace the light, breezes and view to make wonderful homes for comfortable living,” says Shaun Carter, Principal and founder of Carter Williamson.

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Landscape architecture

“The landscape stitches the site into the wider community with green links, vibrant pedestrian-friendly streets, parklands and kids’ play, creating an open space for all. Water is captured and infiltrated on-site, supporting a palette of native plants and a canopy of shade trees that create places for people and support the local ecology,” says Philip Coxall, Chairman and Director of Design at McGregor Coxall.

With plans for Concord Central lodged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and expected to go on exhibition in the coming weeks, Billbergia says construction could commence in late 2026, with completion of the first buildings scheduled for 2029.

“Concord Central will unlock greater choice in housing, boost local employment, improve connectivity, and meet the needs of current and future residents for years to come,” observes Saul Moran, Billbergia’s Development Director – Planning and Design.

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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