First modules stacked at Freecity’s landmark Macquarie Park development
Freecity, Australia’s leader in high-rise steel structure Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC), has reached a landmark construction milestone with the stacking of the first modules at its 528-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at 169-171 Herring Road, Macquarie Park. Upon completion, the 20-storey project is set to be Australia’s tallest VMC building.
Each module arrived fully fitted out, with facades installed and ready for installation, having been manufactured in China and delivered through Freecity’s modular integrator, Space Labs Australia, a specialist in high-rise VMC. A proven method of construction in overseas markets, VMC compresses the construction programme significantly compared to conventional building methods, with multiple stages of construction running in parallel rather than in sequence. VMC also delivers a superior level of build quality and finish compared to conventional construction, due to the use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery and robotics during the fabrication process.
The methodology also delivers measurable sustainability benefits: reduced waste, lower carbon emissions from on-site activity and a smaller environmental footprint overall. Module construction also enables a circular economy outcome, as the modules can be reused and given a second life or deconstructed for material use. The Herring Road development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating and WELL for Residential Certification upon completion.
Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity, said: “Seeing the first modules stacked is a significant moment, and the result of a lot of hard work, years of investment, research and development of stringent processes. It is also a reminder of what this project is ultimately about: improving productivity and getting much-needed housing into the market faster than conventional construction allows.
“Sydney is under serious rental pressure, and when students have quality, dedicated housing close to their university, they are not competing with families, professionals and key workers for the same private rental stock. That is the problem we are solving here, at Macquarie Park and for Co-Living and Build-to-Rent housing across our broader development pipeline.”
Benjamin Brown, Associate Director of Development at Freecity, said: “Student accommodation suits VMC particularly well because of the repeatable room types. Utilising this form of construction methodology enhances dimensional accuracy and improves tolerance precision to approximately two per cent. That level of precision, replicated across 528 rooms, is very difficult to achieve with traditional construction methods.
“The construction programme for Herring Road is 18 months, which is around 25 per cent faster than traditional methods – which is the pace the surging demand for housing in Australia needs.”
Felipe Miranda, Director, COX Architecture, said: “Modular construction is pushing the boundaries of how we design and deliver high-density housing. At Herring Road, we’ve worked closely with delivery partners to ensure the architecture remains seamless, with precision manufacturing supporting both quality and performance. It’s an approach that opens up new possibilities for scalable, sustainable living environments.”
Located 100 metres from Macquarie University, the Macquarie Park Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre, the development addresses strong and sustained demand for quality student housing in the area. Macquarie University has approximately 44,000 students, with on-campus accommodation consistently at capacity. The 528 units will offer residents access to a cinema, meeting and study rooms, function spaces, a fully equipped gym, communal kitchens and social spaces designed to foster community.
Herring Road is the first of three PBSA projects Freecity currently has under construction in Sydney, with further developments under construction at Forest Lodge and Rockdale, delivering an additional 235 units. Freecity is also designing what is expected to be the largest VMC building in the world – a 60-plus level Build-to-Rent tower in Parramatta – plus three residential towers at Rouse Hill, delivering a further 548 new rental homes. The business holds a development portfolio exceeding seven billion dollars and a pipeline in excess of 6,000 units across Sydney’s major urban renewal precincts.
Nine News Exclusive – Friday 19 June
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