Urbis Supports Landmark Rouse Hill Approval Showcasing the Future of Housing Delivery

Urbis is proud to have supported Freecity in securing State significant development approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for its landmark mixed-use development at 2 Tempus Street, Rouse Hill.

The approval represents a significant milestone not only for the project, but also for the future of housing delivery in Australia, demonstrating how innovative planning and construction approaches can help address the nation's housing needs.

Urbis worked closely with Freecity and the broader project team to guide the State Significant Development Application through the planning process, helping bring to life a vision for a vibrant mixed-use precinct adjacent to the Rouse Hill Metro Station.

The approved development, designed by Architectus, will deliver 227 Build-to-Rent apartments, 216 co-living residences, retail and wellness spaces, commercial floor space and high-quality communal amenities, providing diverse housing options in one of Sydney's fastest-growing strategic centres.

Importantly, the project will be delivered using Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC), an innovative construction methodology that is increasingly recognised as a key part of Australia's housing future.

A Significant Win for Volumetric Modular Construction

The Rouse Hill approval is an important milestone for the advancement of Volumetric Modular Construction in Australia.

While VMC has been successfully used internationally for decades, particularly throughout Europe and Asia, its application in large-scale residential developments in Australia is still emerging. This approval demonstrates the confidence that both industry and government are placing in innovative building methods to help deliver housing more efficiently and sustainably.

VMC involves the off-site manufacture of building modules in a controlled environment, which are then transported and assembled on site. The approach can significantly reduce construction timeframes, improve quality control, minimise waste and reduce impacts on surrounding communities during construction.

As Australia's housing challenges continue to evolve, projects such as this demonstrate the potential for new construction methods to complement planning reforms and accelerate the delivery of high-quality homes.

For Urbis, this project highlights the importance of embracing innovation across the entire development process – from strategic planning and design through to construction and delivery.

Delivering Diverse Housing in a Strategic Location

Located immediately adjacent to the Rouse Hill Metro Station, the approved development is ideally positioned to capitalise on major public transport investment and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Rouse Hill Town Centre.

The project provides a diverse mix of housing, including Build-to-Rent and co-living accommodation, helping to address growing demand for flexible and high-quality rental options close to employment, transport and services.

Beyond housing, the development will support employment generation, activate the public domain through retail and commercial uses, and create landscaped communal spaces that encourage social connection and wellbeing.

Planning for the Future

Urbis is pleased to have partnered with Freecity and the wider consultant team on a project that not only delivers much-needed housing, but also helps pave the way for broader adoption of Volumetric Modular Construction in Australia.

As governments, industry and communities seek new solutions to housing supply challenges, the Rouse Hill project stands as a compelling example of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to better city-making.