{"id":1252,"date":"2025-12-16T16:39:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T05:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/?p=1252"},"modified":"2025-12-18T10:52:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T23:52:12","slug":"freecity-innovation-insights-no-5-freecitys-progress-for-vmc-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/freecity-innovation-insights-no-5-freecitys-progress-for-vmc-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Freecity Innovation Insights No.5 \u2013 Freecity\u2019s progress for VMC in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has been a landmark year for Freecity Group as we advanced our vision for Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC) in steel-structured high\u2011rise development across Australia\u2019s Living Sector. What began as bold ideas has rapidly shifted into execution, setting the stage for an even bigger 2026 as we deliver our first VMC student accommodation projects and Australia\u2019s tallest VMC building<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>a 20\u2011level development in Macquarie Park.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of our 2025 highlights:<\/h2>\n

Launching Freecity Constructions<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong>We kicked off the year with the establishment of Freecity Constructions, led by Chief Delivery Officer Thomas Catalovski. The team has already grown to 25 specialists, and we look forward to sharing on\u2011the\u2011ground updates from our construction sites throughout\u00a0<\/span>next<\/span>\u00a0year.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Introducing Freecity Design
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Mid\u2011year, we launched Freecity Design under the leadership of Teenie Lee. With a mandate to unlock <\/span>significant time<\/span>\u00a0and cost efficiencies in detailed design, this team is positioned to fully\u00a0<\/span>leverage<\/span> the repeatability inherent in VMC. Working closely with Space Labs Australia<\/strong><\/a> to deliver factory\u2011ready shop drawings, the combined Australia\u2013China team has already expanded to 15 people. Expect deeper insights into their work in the year ahead.<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Growing our integrated capability
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Our team has grown from 30 to 80 people in just twelve months. This expansion reflects the depth and diversity of\u00a0<\/span>expertise<\/span>\u00a0across our integrated developer, builder, VMC, and design functions. As we complete delivery of the PBSA portfolio and shape our broader Living Sector pipeline, this collective capability is becoming one of our greatest strengths.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

PBSA DA Approvals
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Freecity <\/span>achieved<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>three<\/span>\u00a0VMC\u00a0<\/span>project<\/span>\u00a0DA\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>for PBSA projects\u00a0<\/span>designed by COX Architecture<\/strong><\/a> <\/span><\/span>in\u00a02025<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>commenced<\/span>\u00a0construction on two of the projects<\/span>, as follows<\/span>:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

169-173 Herring Road, Macquarie Park<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
20 Levels<\/td>\n528 Studios (44 DDA)<\/td>\n20-storey<\/span>s<\/span>, 3 basement levels\u00a0<\/span>with\u00a0<\/span>44\u00a0<\/span>car<\/span>park<\/span>s<\/span>. Amenities\u00a0<\/span>groun<\/span>d & Lower\u00a0<\/span>ground\u00a0<\/span>+\u00a0<\/span>l<\/span>ev<\/span>el\u00a0<\/span>15 terrace<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Approval Authority<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nThe City of Ryde<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nJanuary 2025<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Build Program<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n20 months<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 completion\u00a0<\/span>November<\/span>\u00a020<\/span>26<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nC<\/span>urrently\u00a0<\/span>built to gr<\/span>oun<\/span>d level, module<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>instal<\/span>l<\/span>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>commence<\/span> in February<\/span>\u00a0202<\/span>6<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

23-25 Fredrick Street, Rockdale<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
8 Levels<\/td>\n117 Units (<\/span>6<\/span>\u00a0DDA)<\/span><\/td>\n7<\/span>-storey<\/span>s<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>1\u00a0<\/span>basement\u00a0<\/span>level with 9 car<\/span>park<\/span>s<\/span>, retail F&B,\u00a0<\/span>rooftop<\/span>\u00a0amenities<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Approval Authority<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nBayside Council<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nMay <\/span><\/span>2025<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Build Program<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n11<\/span>\u00a0months<\/span> \u2013 completion October<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>2<\/span>026<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nD<\/span>emolition\u00a0<\/span>co<\/span>m<\/span>plete<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n
4 Levels<\/td>\n118 Units (<\/span>6<\/span>\u00a0DDA)<\/span><\/td>\n4<\/span>–<\/span>stor<\/span>e<\/span>y<\/span>, an<\/span>\u00a0innovative<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>breezeway corridor overlooking the central courtyard,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>providing natural ventilation<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Amenities\u00a0<\/span>include<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0shared\u00a0<\/span>study spaces<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>communal kitchens,\u00a0<\/span>media<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>recreation<\/span>\u00a0rooms<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Approval Authority<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nCity of Sydney<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nSeptember <\/span><\/span>2025<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Build Program<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n9<\/span>\u00a0months<\/span> \u2013 completion November <\/span>2<\/span>026<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDemolition<\/span>\u00a0works\u00a0<\/span>have<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>commenced<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Freecity has lodged another two DAs this year for Build\u2011to\u2011Rent and Co\u2011Living VMC projects, and we were also successful with our Housing Delivery Authority EOI to progress the conversion of the 58\u2011storey office DA at 91 George Street, Parramatta into a 68\u2011storey Build\u2011to\u2011Rent tower. If approved, it will become the tallest VMC development in the world, an extraordinary milestone for Freecity and for the evolution of high\u2011density living in Australia.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2 Tempus Street, Rouse Hill<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Our mixed\u2011use development at 2 Tempus Street continues to gain momentum in Sydney\u2019s rapidly expanding Rouse Hill Town Centre. Perfectly positioned opposite the metro station, Rouse Hill Regional Shopping Centre and within\u00a0500\u00a0metres\u00a0of the future public hospital, the project is designed to anchor a vibrant, transit\u2011oriented community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two residential towers\u201423 and 18\u00a0storeys\u2014will deliver 330 Build\u2011to\u2011Rent dwellings, complemented by a 10\u2011storey Co\u2011Living building with 220 units. The ground level and two\u2011storey\u00a0podium will include\u00a04,000 m\u00b2 of commercial space.\u00a0Architectus\u00a0has crafted a design that blends urban energy with community\u2011focused living.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

81-83 George Street<\/span>\u00a0+ 1 Barrack Lane<\/span><\/a>, Parramatta
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Located in the eastern heart of Parramatta CBD, just two blocks from the river and its parklands, 81-83 George Street offers exceptional connectivity. The future Parramatta Metro Station (opening 2032), the Ferry Wharf and Parramatta Railway Station are all within easy walking distance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The proposed 43\u2011storey tower will establish a new Build\u2011to\u2011Rent community, delivering up to 618 dwellings, including dual\u2011key units that elevate the diversity and flexibility of housing options in the city\u2019s fastest\u2011growing precinct.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sydney Olympic Park<\/a> \u2013 The\u00a0<\/span>Epicentre<\/span> of Living Energy
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Freecity has continued to refine the vision for our 2\u2011hectare Town Centre site at Sydney Olympic\u00a0Park,\u00a0our ambition is nothing less than creating the\u00a0<\/span>Epicentre\u00a0of Living Energy in Sydney<\/span><\/i>. With world\u2011class sporting and event venues from the 2000 Olympics at its doorstep and the Metro set to open in 2032, placing the CBD just 15 minutes away, this ~$2B mixed\u2011use TOD will be one of the most transformative developments of the decade.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We look forward to sharing more as the Draft SOPA 2050 Master Plan is\u00a0finalised\u00a0and as we prepare our Stage 1 DA to deliver new homes aligned with the Housing Accord.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In partnership with John Holland Group<\/a><\/strong>, Freecity has also been shortlisted to deliver the Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station as an Integrated Development\u2014another opportunity to shape the future of this nationally significant precinct.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leading the Way in Green Steel
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>This year, Freecity signed a landmark Green Steel agreement for our Macquarie Park development. Supported by UNSW\u2019s research and E\u2011Lab in achieving EPD certification and targeting a 5\u2011Star GBCA Green Star rating, the initiative is expected to reduce embodied carbon intensity in steel by around 30%.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This will\u00a0establish\u00a0the first verified green steel contract in both China and Australia\u2014turning aspiration into measurable, industry\u2011shifting action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking Ahead to 2026
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>Next year will be a defining chapter for Freecity. We will complete our first three VMC Student Accommodation buildings,\u00a0<\/span>commence<\/span> our first Build\u2011to\u2011Rent projects, and launch our Freecity Living operations brand. The shift from planning to delivery is well underway, and the momentum is unmistakable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Message of Thanks
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Freecity Directors extend their sincere thanks to all our staff,\u00a0consultants\u00a0and partners for their extraordinary efforts this year. Together, we are bringing forward our VMC program from concept into execution. We are\u00a0energised\u00a0by the shared vision we are delivering and by the innovation\u00a0emerging\u00a0across the\u00a0industry,\u00a0particularly through Modern Methods of Construction. There is real optimism that, collectively, we can reverse the productivity drag that has challenged our sector for far too long.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas break. We look forward to returning in February 2026 with a fresh series of Freecity Innovation Insights.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Download PDF<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Steven Mann<\/strong>
\nChief Strategy Officer, Freecity<\/em><\/p>\n

Published: 16 December 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It has been a landmark year for Freecity Group as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":1161,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,27,9,24,11,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-esg","category-innovation","category-news","category-pbsa","category-real-estate","category-residential"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1252"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1252"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1259,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1252\/revisions\/1259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freecity.com\/business\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}