{"id":1017,"date":"2025-09-03T11:06:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T01:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/?p=1017"},"modified":"2025-09-03T11:06:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T01:06:59","slug":"freecity-champions-innovation-and-wellness-in-australias-housing-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/freecity-champions-innovation-and-wellness-in-australias-housing-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Freecity Champions Innovation and Wellness in Australia\u2019s Housing Market"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the face of Australia\u2019s mounting housing affordability crisis and tightening lending conditions, developers are being called to rethink traditional approaches. Freecity Group is answering that call with bold innovation in Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC)<\/a>, sustainability, and a commitment to community well-being.<\/p>\n

As part of its pioneering efforts, Freecity is working toward WELL for Residential<\/a> and 5-Star GBCA Green Star<\/a> pre-certification for its first 528-unit, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at 169\u2013171 Herring Road, Macquarie Park<\/a>. This project will be Australia\u2019s tallest VMC building at 20 storeys, and it reflects the Group\u2019s broader mission: to deliver homes that foster resilience, health, and connection.<\/p>\n

A Spotlight on Wellness at the WELL 2025 Sydney Flagship Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n

On 20 August, global leaders in health, sustainability, and design gathered in Sydney for the WELL 2025 Flagship Summit.<\/a> Among them was Freecity\u2019s Chief Strategy Officer, Steven Mann, who joined a fireside chat titled Investing in a Better Housing Market<\/em>. He was joined by Shara Carson (Clearwater) and Martin Cooper (Cooper & Associates), with moderation by Ken Fong<\/a>, Director of Human-Centred Design at E-LAB Consulting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0 \"\"<\/p>\n

During the session, Mann addressed the structural challenges facing the residential market:<\/p>\n

\u201cLow productivity is driving worker shortages and huge increases in construction prices. There are not many builders willing to build strata apartments, given the multi-customer risks\u2014and this is leading to the rise of Living Sector assets.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He also highlighted Freecity\u2019s leadership in Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC) as a scalable solution to these challenges:<\/p>\n

\u201cModular has growing interest globally as many markets struggle with housing supply. Full VMC offers speed, repeatability, and sustainability. But we know we must prove it\u2014with completed projects and real evidence. Our Macquarie Park development will be the largest VMC building in Australia at 20 levels, and we\u2019re aiming for 5-Star GBCA and WELL for Residential certification.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

A Distinctive Delivery Model: Co-Living and Retained Assets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Freecity\u2019s approach to housing delivery sets it apart. Unlike traditional developers who sell off assets post-construction, Freecity retains ownership and assumes ongoing operational responsibility. This long-term stewardship model is central to Freecity\u2019s \u2018Innovating Future Living\u2019 strategy.<\/p>\n

\u201cFreecity is focused on high-rise residential for single-owner buildings, which means the full breadth of the Living Sector market, Student Accommodation, Co-Living and Build-to-Rent\u2014plus hotels. We expect to add affordable and hopefully social housing in time. Density supported by high-quality community facilities allows us to provide a wide range of prices across the Living Sector typologies to meet the market.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBtR is our big focus, and we have designs progressing for two buildings at circa 60 levels which will eclipse the world\u2019s largest VMC building, and a portfolio of ~4,000 Living Sector units in Sydney.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

WELL for Residential: A Cornerstone of ESG Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Freecity\u2019s ESG strategy<\/a> is deeply intertwined with WELL for Residential certification. By retaining assets and managing them long-term, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver sustained healthy living benefits to residents and alignment for high quality buildings which reduce long term operating costs. The project is aiming to be the first PBSA development in Oceania to achieve this globally recognized certification. E-LAB Consulting is the design partner with Freecity Group helping to deliver these certifications.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see WELL for Residential as the customer-focused brand. Our strategy focuses on Innovation in Future Living, which drives us to better buildings with our Customer Value\u2014Creating the Space You\u2019d Love to Live in. Freecity’s use of VMC for the Living Sector market has created an alignment of interest between the Lessor and Lessee around the development and management of long-term successful communities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Meeting Evolving Expectations in Building Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n

As urban lifestyles evolve, so do expectations for building design and operations. Freecity is responding with compact, private apartments supported by vibrant community facilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cBtR is a huge change for Australia\u2014creating smaller private apartments supported by great community facilities, a one-stop-shop for modern living. TOD-located communities\u2019 benefit from all the urban services and public transport on your doorstep, so our future residents can \u201cLose the car, lower your personal carbon footprint, develop a healthier walk\/ride lifestyle, and consolidate your costs for amenities into your weekly rent\u2014and you\u2019re coming out in front!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Why WELL for Residential Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

WELL for Residential certification is emerging as a powerful differentiator in the property market\u2014not just as a badge of honour, but as a framework for healthier living. WELL is established in office markets as a key differentiator and Freecity sees it as a customer-first brand for the Living Sector that aligns with its values and long-term strategy.<\/p>\n

Strategic Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n