Affordable Modular Housing Concept Study 

The Challenge

Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) is committed to shaping the future of Western Sydney by developing Bradfield City Centre and attracting investment into the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. The Bradfield City Masterplan highlights the opportunity to increase the supply of affordable housing as part of this wider development.

This study explores this opportunity to increase housing supply on the currently under-utilised land within the Bradfield City Centre. The Bradfield Eastern Precinct (previously named the Affordable Modular Housing Concept) would see modular housing and supporting infrastructure developed on land that is awaiting development over the longer-term.

The Action

This study formed the first phase of work testing the validity of this concept and understanding the key parameters which influence its validity. As part of this study, Polis Partners:

• Investigate the capacity and capability for CHPs to participate within this opportunity
• Undertakes an analysis to test the financial viability of potential scenarios and what assumptions influence deliverability and operational viability
• Identifies characteristics of likely CHP partners and other factors which would encourage CHP participation
• Modular construction industry practices, including current industry size and capabilities, supply chain challenges and review modular construction initiatives in other states
• Identify key deliverability risks associated with modular housing concept.

The Results

A high-quality Green Paper was delivered which identified several key success factors which would make the affordable modular housing concept a success and identifies next steps for BDA. This study led to further investigation of international best practices and lessons learnt from global leaders in this space and identifying and assessing potential innovative affordable housing investment and funding models which could be used for to deliver this concept.