First Building for Bradfield now complete, marking a milestone in Western Sydney’s future

As Bradfield City Centre in Western Sydney, Australia’s first new city in a century, prepares for its future the newly completed First Building offers a glimpse into the city’s ambitions.

Hassell’s design for this project — inspired by Indigenous narratives with key input from Djinjama, a First Nations cultural research and design agency — reflects the values of connection, sustainability and innovation central to Bradfield’s growth.

Inspired by its location on the Cumberland Plain and a deep reverence for Country, the First Building, housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF), blends architecture with the surrounding landscape. A natural colour palette and materials, including rammed earth, recycled glass and textiles, reflect our commitment to sustainability and circularity (designing in a way that minimises waste and promotes reuse).

Conceived as a ​‘kit of parts,’ the First Building’s modular design makes it adaptable to future changes, allowing components to be disassembled, reconfigured or reused as Bradfield evolves. When the building has served its purpose and reaches the end of its life, it can be repurposed or even relocated within the city for an entirely different use.

As Bradfield grows, the First Building sets a precedent for future development. It embodies a deep respect for the environment and a forward-thinking approach to designing places that respond to the challenges facing our planet today.