Caddens Urban Design Framework

DesignInc worked with a range of stakeholders to develop a contextually responsive urban design framework for an 18 hectare site in Western Sydney.

One of the key challenges was designing for the possibility that a TfNSW has proposed—but not confirmed—a new railway line for the area, The Caddens Urban Design Framework has inbuilt flexibility to provide a plan for the current context, and the ability to accommodate higher density if the railway line eventuates, In response, we developed a ‘loose fit’ framework that offers a variety of design density typologies.

The framework introduces a range of housing typologies, increasing density to the south of the proposed Caddens town centre, including townhouses with rear lane access for vehicles to eliminate vehicle crossovers and maximise street activation. The framework also provided green links throughout the site that serve as overland flow paths to a central water catchment park.

Penrith City Council and adjoining stakeholders Nepean College and Western Sydney University inputs were incorporated to guide the vision for Caddens and prioritise future connections across the precinct.