Background
Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation is leading the renewal of key government-owned landholdings within Broadmeadow as part of a broader urban transformation program. Following rezoning of the First Move Sites, there was a need for clear, evidence-based advice to guide staging, product mix and delivery strategy in a shifting market context.
Complexity
The engagement required consideration of several intersecting factors:
• Multiple sites with differing constraints, scales and development potential
• Alignment with NSW Government objectives for housing supply and precinct activation
• Market uncertainty across apartment and townhouse product in the Newcastle context
• Balancing feasibility outcomes with longer-term strategic vision for the precinct
Solution
EPS provided integrated property and feasibility advice to support informed decision-making across the precinct. The approach focused on grounding strategy in realistic market and delivery conditions.
- Site Analysis: Reviewed each First Move Site to understand development capacity, constraints and likely built form outcomes
- Market Context: Assessed demand, pricing and absorption for apartment and townhouse product across Newcastle CBD fringe and emerging locations
- Feasibility Testing: Modelled development scenarios to test viability under different product mixes, staging approaches and cost assumptions
- Strategic Advice: Provided clear recommendations on sequencing, product positioning and delivery pathways aligned with market depth
EPS worked closely with the client to ensure assumptions were transparent, scenarios were sound and outputs aligned with government decision-making processes.
Impact
The work provided a practical foundation for progressing delivery of the Broadmeadow First Move Sites.
• Informed staging and delivery strategy aligned with market capacity
• Supported evidence-based decision-making for government land release
• Reduced feasibility risk through tested and transparent assumptions
• Strengthened alignment between planning outcomes and commercial realities
Image Source: HCCDC
