Lidcombe Rise Project

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International, award-winning architecture practice Plus Architecture has announced the completion of Lidcombe Rise, a mixed-tenure development providing a mix of critically-needed social, affordable and market housing, alongside seamlessly integrated complementary community amenities.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Western suburbs, the $130 million development is the realisation of a collaboration between Plus Architecture, developer Billbergia, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and Evolve Housing — who have joined forces to tackle the growing demand for diverse housing and greater economic vitality in Sydney.

Comprising four buildings with a total of 376 residences, 41% of which have been allocated to social and affordable housing, the development, which covers a total GFA of 32,411 sqm, also delivers a childcare centre accommodating up to 60 local children as well as neighbourhood retail tenancies.

In close proximity to Lidcombe station, on a narrow east-west parcel of land next to the train line, the development transitions down in scale from the Lidcombe Town Centre to the low-rise residential context beyond, reinforcing the urban scale principles set out within the Town Centre development plan.

Plus Architecture Director, Amit Julka said Lidcombe Rise was designed with place making and community building at its heart.

“The foundational design principle guiding the design and development teams for Lidcombe Rise has been the notion of ‘equity of amenity’ across the three residential typologies – affordable, social and private housing. From entrance lobbies through to finishes in the apartments, our aim has been to deliver designs that are indistinguishable in quality and amenity from one another.”

Inspired by the flora found within greater Sydney, hues of blues, reds, yellow and greens embellish the exterior of each building. Swooping precast forms that contrast against glazed elements and matte aluminium panelling create a sense of cohesion across the development.

With the resident’s comfort at the forefront of the architects’ minds, continuous bands of precast limit the extent of glazing, while both horizontal and external fins have been used to provide a level of protection to the double-glazed windows. Nature has been integrated throughout the design, with multiple gardens and rooftop terraces working together to create a cohesive and serene community atmosphere.

Development Manager at Billbergia Group, Thomas Nader, believes Lidcombe Rise creates a blueprint for inclusive, forward-thinking urban living — setting a high standard for what can be achieved across greater Sydney.

“We are thrilled to deliver a socially and economically viable development that provides a critical boost to the supply of social, affordable and market housing in Sydney. Applying their unique design expertise, Plus Architecture has ensured each building across the mixed-tenured development has been designed and built to the same high standard,” Nader said.

Lidcombe Rise is the latest project in Plus Architecture’s diverse portfolio of residential developments across Sydney, with other projects including boutique residential development Crest Mosman for Moorgate Property and student accommodation at Scape Kensington.

Lidcombe Rise project stats:

• Building A - Social Housing
• Height: 21.5m, 6 storeys
• Scale: 63 apartments
• Building B - Affordable Housing
• Height: 34.3m, 10 storeys
• Scale: 93 apartments
• Building C - Private Housing
• Height: 42.8m, 13 storeys
• Scale: 109 apartments
• Building D - Private Housing
• Height: 42.9m, 13 storeys
• Scale: 111 apartments

Project Awards

• Lidcombe Rise, Stage 1 (the social housing in the red building) has been celebrated in a number if property
• and design industry award programs, including:
• 2023 | Boomtown! Project of the Year Awards - Outstanding Affordable Housing Project - Winner
• 2023 | Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards - Affordable Residential Development - Winner
• 2023 | UDIA NSW Awards - Affordable Development – Finalist
• 2024 The Urban Developer Awards - Social Infrastructure – Finalist