Case Studies

The Hermitage

Design Feature

Type of project
Masterplan
State
New South Wales
Location
Urban
The Hermitage at Gledswood Hills is a vibrant, master-planned community, crafted for future generations in harmony with its lush natural surrounds. The Hermitage has created a community which meets the growing need for high quality, liveable spaces for the residents of Sydney’s South West.
Where people and nature come together
The Hermitage encapsulates gentle undulating hills framed by strands of large mature trees. The site also features views spanning to the Blue Mountains. The community is located on more than 150 hectares of green open space and features dedicated parklands. These areas will form a 3.5-kilometre green corridor, connecting the northern golf precinct with the heart of the community.


The proposed Gledswood Village, a boutique mixed-use precinct offering retail, commercial and residential sites, including a grocer, cafes, swim school, healthcare and restaurants, will be the heart of the estate. This contemporary, vibrant and tree lined high street will deliver an authentic village experience that can respond to the local community’s growing need for urban experiences.
With access to a broad range of recreational facilities, local transport and educational services, The Hermitage provides opportunities for residents to actively engage with their community.
Camden Council were an integral stakeholder throughout both the design, approval and delivery of these open space areas. In fact, The South Creek Corridor and multiple areas of open space, including Gledswood Hills Reserve, Buckingham Park, Woodhill Reserve, Brittlewood Reserve, Cloverhill Park and Gabriel’s Run, were all designed and developed with the intention that these assets would be dedicated to Camden Council. The project commenced in 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2025.
Project team
  • Sekisui House Australia – Developer
  • Tract Consultants - Landscape Architecture
  • Eco Logical Australia – Ecologist
  • Ecological Australia and Co‐ordinated Landscapes – Landscape Contractor
  • J. Wyndham Prince and Arcadis ‐ Civil Engineer
  • TRN Group – Civil Contractors
  • SJB Planning – Town Planning 

Project cost
  • South Creek ‐ Approximately $6 Million
  • Gledswood Hills Reserve ‐ Approximately $4.5 Million
  • Buckingham Park – Approximately $0.6 Million
  • Woodhill Reserve – Approximately $0.6 Million
  • Brittlewood Reserve – Approximately $0.35 Million
  • Clovertree Reserve – Approximately $0.5 Million
  • Gabriel’s Run – Approximately $0.45 Million
  • Total – Approximately $13 Million

Health value
  • South Creek provides connectivity to the Gledswood Hills Business Park via a series of shared pedestrian and cycle paths.
  • Gledswood Hills Reserve, Buckingham Park, Woodhill Reserve, Brittlewood Reserve, Cloverhill Park and Gabriel’s Run include a variety of play elements that allow different play movement, and the development of sensory, physical and social skills.
  • The provision of multiple courts, outdoor gym, wider connecting/running paths, sporting goals and play equipment encourages physical activity and intergenerational interaction throughout the site.

Economic value
  • South Creek provides connection to the greater Camden Local Government Area, encouraging visitation from neighbouring precincts and direct access for residents to the neighbouring employment precinct.
  • Based on the concept of ‘satoyama’, Gledswood Hills Reserve promotes visitation by local and occasionally district residents, while potentially increasing housing values through the enhanced amenity.
  • At its core, Satoyama is about the mutual benefits of integrating existing natural habitats with built environments. More simply, it’s about connecting people through ‘ribbons of green’, with an extra consideration for the world surrounding us.

Environmental value
  • Extensive rehabilitation of the South Creek riparian corridor has enhanced flora and fauna and revitalised the natural ecosystems throughout.
  • Native plant species were paramount to ensure lower ongoing maintenance and to suit the local climate.
  • Retention of large mature trees within Gledswood Hills Reserve, plus the installation of new advanced trees, provides much-needed shade.

Social value
The parks have enhanced The Hermitage community by providing a diverse range of social interaction opportunities, including:
  • Increased social activity through the site with large park turnouts on community days.
  • Social value and engagement through play facilities for all ages.
  • Exercise and training on fitness equipment and sporting games throughout the parkland.
  • Social connection via extensive and interconnecting pathways.
  • Evidence of community ownership of the parks and monitoring of activities/maintenance via community feedback forums.
  • Inclusive, sensory and adaptable play for park users.

Use value
  • Open areas and shade structures allow for adaptable uses, including market days, sporting events, resident social events.
  • The play spaces encourage all age interactions and parent supervision.
  • Extensive pathways and fitness equipment promote healthy living.
  • Park consideration, including ease of circulation and accessibility consideration, invite use by the whole community.
  • Clean and simple park layouts promote park safety.

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