The NSW government is championing faster, smarter housing delivery as modular terraces take shape at Landcom’s Schofields development in Sydney’s north-west, showcasing how innovative construction technology can help address the state’s housing crisis.
Nine architecturally designed terraces are being delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with large sections of the homes built off-site in a controlled factory environment before being transported and craned into position on-site.
The two-storey, three-bedroom homes undergo rigorous quality and safety checks during manufacture, offering a compelling alternative to traditional building techniques.
The potential benefits are significant.
The Commonwealth Productivity Commission estimates MMC, including modular and prefabricated construction, has the potential to reduce overall construction costs by up to 20 per cent and cut build times by up to 50 per cent compared to conventional methods.
Construction on the Schofields terraces is expected to be completed in August 2026.
The nine homes form part of Landcom’s broader Burdekin Road development, which will deliver around 140 new homes, including terraces, manor homes and compact housing close to transport, jobs and services.
At least 30 per cent of homes across the development will be affordable housing.
The project arrives as the NSW government drives nation-leading reforms to support MMC across NSW through the Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026.
The landmark legislation formally recognises prefabricated buildings in law, integrates MMC into the approvals system, and strengthens consumer protections, with the aim of boosting confidence in innovative construction methods and encouraging their wider adoption.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the government was committed to building homes at pace and at scale.
“NSW needs to build more homes and we need to build them faster, which is why the Minns Labor Government is backing innovation across the construction sector,” said Scully.
“Modern Methods of Construction have enormous potential to speed up housing delivery, boost productivity and help deliver quality homes more efficiently.
“We’re pulling every lever available to tackle the housing crisis, from planning reforms through to supporting new construction technologies that can help deliver more homes for people across NSW.”
Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby, welcomed the development for the local community.
“It’s fantastic to see innovative housing construction happening right here in Schofields, these modern building techniques will mean new residents can get into quality homes sooner,” said Kirby.
“These modern construction methods have the potential to speed up delivery, reduce costs and help more people access quality homes sooner.
“This project is also helping deliver more affordable housing for key workers, which is incredibly important in a fast-growing area like Riverstone.”
The Schofields project builds on Landcom’s long track record of partnering with the NSW government to deliver well-planned communities.
Current projects include The Joinery at Annandale, which is transforming former WestConnex dive site land into a mixed-use precinct with up to 580 homes, including build-to-rent housing for essential workers, alongside shops, public spaces and improved pedestrian links.
Landcom is also delivering regional build-to-rent projects in Lismore and Bomaderry, providing over 100 apartments with 20 per cent affordable housing close to transport and services.
As Landcom marks its 50th anniversary, CEO Alex Wendler said the organisation was using the milestone to push boundaries in housing delivery.
“As we celebrate 50 years of making homes happen, we’re continuing to explore new and innovative ways to deliver homes faster and more efficiently,” said Wendler.
“This project will help us better understand how MMC can support the delivery of diverse and affordable housing communities across NSW.
“The outcomes of this trial will help inform how Landcom uses MMC in future projects as we continue working to increase housing supply where it’s needed most.”
