$265m Tower Proposal Unveiled in Westmead Health Precinct

$265m Tower Proposal Unveiled in Westmead Health Precinct

July 3, 2025

Architectural render of two high-rise apartment towers in Westmead, surrounded by landscaped greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

A $265.8 million proposal for a two-tower Westmead apartment development is now on public exhibition. The project is located at 93 Bridge Road in the heart of the Westmead Health and Innovation District. It forms part of the NSW Government’s strategy to deliver infill housing near jobs, transport, and essential services. The application seeks State Significant Development consent for 549 apartments, affordable housing, and open space upgrades.

Proposal Overview

This mixed-use development would replace 31 homes with a new vertical community. Two apartment towers are proposed, rising 27 and 28 storeys above a shared podium. Together, they would provide 549 apartments, including 304 one-bedroom, 225 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom dwellings.

Eighty apartments—15 percent of the total—are allocated as affordable housing. A registered community housing provider will manage them for at least 15 years. According to the application, these dwellings aim to support essential workers and low-income households.

The development includes over 3,000 square metres of communal open space, such as rooftop terraces and podium landscaping. It also features a 1,000-square-metre public park with water elements, nature play areas, and Indigenous planting.

In addition, the proposal introduces new pedestrian walkways and green corridors. These connections would link the site to nearby parks and public streets, thereby supporting walkability and local biodiversity.

“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 GroupGSA 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.”

Site Location and Accessibility

The 8,663-square-metre site at 93 Bridge Road Westmead contains 31 single-storey dwellings arranged around an internal access road. A private road links the site to Bridge Road. It is the largest amalgamated landholding in the Health and Innovation Sub-Precinct.

The site sits about 800 metres from both Westmead and Wentworthville train stations. It is also close to Parramatta Light Rail and the future Metro West station. As a result, this access to public transport supports active travel and meets goals for transit-oriented development.

Background of the Proposal

This site falls within the Westmead Health and Innovation District. The precinct is expected to support over 50,000 workers and 10,000 students by 2036.

In 2024, a Planning Proposal (PP-2023-2810) was submitted to amend the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan. The amendment would allow a building height increase from 20 to 69 metres and a floor space ratio increase from 1.7:1 to 4.25:1. Currently, the rezoning process is running alongside the development application.

Artist impression by Group GSA

Planning Framework & Compliance

The proposal qualifies as State Significant Development under Section 26A of the Planning Systems SEPP 2021. This classification applies due to its estimated cost and inclusion of affordable housing.

According to the application, the project responds to the goals of the Housing SEPP 2021 and the National Housing Accord. These policies aim to expand housing supply and improve diversity in accessible, serviced areas. In addition, the development refers to the Parramatta LSPS, Local Housing Strategy 2020, and Parramatta 2050 vision.

The site is zoned R4 High Density Residential under draft controls. By including affordable housing, the proposal seeks height and density incentives under the Housing SEPP.

Design

The design reflects Westmead’s local character and cultural values. GroupGSA notes that the architecture follows a ‘Connecting with Country’ approach. The team worked with local Aboriginal stakeholders to inform landscape design, material selection, and interpretation of the site.

The two towers feature light façades, recessed balconies, and vertical greenery to reduce bulk. The podium level uses textural brickwork to create a pedestrian-friendly scale and enhance visual interest.

“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,” said Associate Principal Noura Thaha.

She added, “The podium rooftops and elevated terraces will connect residents with ‘sky Country’ and offer views to Parramatta Park, the river and beyond.”

“This development supports Westmead’s transformation by providing high-quality, diverse housing for the people who power the precinct – from nurses and students to researchers and emergency services personnel,” Thaha said.