Volumetric modular construction provider Freecity has received Development Approval (DA) for its mixed-use Build to Rent and co-living development at 2-30 Tempus Street, Rouse Hill, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of much-needed rental housing in Northwest Sydney.
Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following extensive consultation, the scheme will deliver 548 new studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts – 332 Build to Rent apartments and 216 co-living studios – alongside a two-and-a-half level podium that combines retail, commercial and wellness space with an activated ground-floor precinct open to the wider community.
The scheme is spread across three towers of 11, 18 and 23 storeys, all located above a three-storey mixed-use podium directly opposite the Rouse Hill Metro station and adjacent to the Rouse Hill Town Centre. Because of this, the development will serve as a gateway landmark for the precinct.
“Receiving approval for Tempus Street is a proud moment for the Freecity team and an important step forward for housing in Northwest Sydney.
“This development delivers something the market genuinely needs which is a diverse mix of rental options, from co-living studios for young professionals to spacious Build to Rent apartments for families, all within walking distance of the Rouse Hill Metro.
“Freecity now has transit-oriented development projects underway across more than half a dozen locations in Sydney. By anchoring mixed-use, Build to Rent communities around Metro stations, we’re building the kind of well-connected, liveable neighbourhoods that Sydney’s growing population needs.”
Edward Li, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer, Freecity Group
The development supports housing diversity, economic growth and community vitality in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing corridors, responding to the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) agenda and the urgent need for diverse, well-located housing across greater Sydney.
Amenities include food and beverage outlets, wellness facilities, communal spaces, a rooftop bar and kitchen, a two-and-a-half level basement accommodating 129 car spaces and bike storage facilities for a total of 182 bicycles. The building will target ratings of 5 Star Green Star Residential Building, 5 Star NABERS, and WELL for Residential Certification.
Designed by Architectus, the development is inspired by the concept of a modern urban village – a vibrant destination where people naturally gather, share and connect. A lively, community-centred ground floor anchors social interaction, while a landscaped central courtyard serves as a communal town square, linking the three towers with outdoor spaces and nature.
“Rouse Hill allowed us to test a contemporary mixed‑use model where architecture, landscape, and modular construction work as one system. The project is a finely calibrated ‘family’ of Build to Rent, co-living, retail and commercial uses, assembled via a modular approach.
“Prefabricated apartment modules give us precision and consistency while still allowing for some variety in the façade and public realm, with amenities shared across the precinct.”
Marko Damic, Principal, Architectus
The scheme will utilise Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC), which involves building modular living units in a controlled factory environment in parallel with on-site works. This approach cuts delivery timelines, reduces waste, improves on-site safety and produces a consistently higher quality product than traditional construction, making it an effective solution to address Sydney’s housing supply challenge at scale.
“By building with Volumetric Modular Construction, we can deliver these 548 homes faster, more sustainably and to a consistently high standard than traditional construction methods allow.
“Sydney is facing a genuine housing supply crisis, and VMC is one of the most powerful tools we have to address it at scale. Tempus Street is a key part of Freecity’s broader pipeline of over 6,000 new homes across Sydney, each one designed to meet the city’s growing need for high-quality, well-located rental housing.”
Michael Romano, Executive Director – Development
