Construction of Bradfield City Centre’s First Building - housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) - is now complete. Located in Western Sydney, Australia's manufacturing heartland, the AMRF will offer world-class support to help businesses grow faster, reduce risks, and compete globally while strengthening the NSW economy.

With sustainability at its core, the First Building – designed by firm Hassell in collaboration with Dr Danièle Hromek of Djinjama - sets the benchmark for the new city on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

It features extensive use of natural materials and a cooling green roof to reduce solar thermal heating loads.

Designed with Country, the building draws its design cues from the surrounding natural waterways and the Cumberland Plains. Internal rammed earth walls provide a stunning visual feature, alongside extensive glass walls that allow visitors to witness the creation of new prototypes and technologies in the AMRF Manufacturing Hall.

A rooftop viewing platform provides a unique vantage point to watch the construction of the new city and the nearby Bradfield Metro station.

The final delivery of prefabricated Sylva™ by Stora Enso was in November 2023. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) is supplying all of the glued-laminated timber (GLT) beams and local sawn wood. Another Australian supplier will provide the GLT for the exterior façade.

The Sylva elements by Stora Enso were precoated and protected on five-sides with hydrophobic coating before shipping. Some of the elements were preinstalled with lifting devices and factory applied temporary membranes. In addition, Stora Enso delivered structural timber (Duobalken®) and technical support for panel splitting. The entire process unfolded seamlessly.

Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison said:

“Bradfield Development Authority is committed to building a stronger future for Western Sydney by delivering Bradfield and attracting investment to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. The Authority has firmly shifted from planning to a delivery phase, with momentum well underway.

Completion of the First Building is a milestone that will accelerate innovation across the manufacturing sector in Western Sydney and beyond.

The First Building and AMRF will be magnets for innovation and investment across NSW and Australia, aligning with the NSW Government’s commitment to prioritise rebuilding the state’s manufacturing capability.

The people and industries of Western Sydney can now utilise AMRF’s expertise and world leading advanced manufacturing equipment to connect with global opportunities, create jobs and drive the NSW economy.

It is the first step in delivering more highly paid, skilled jobs, improving the lives of people in Western Sydney”. 

The project was completed in December 2024.

Specifications

This project is participating in the Living Building Challenge and holds the FSC Mix Credit certification

6-Star Green Star (target)

NABERS Energy rating 5.5-Star (target)