By Megan Gorrey
The City of Parramatta is objecting to plans for a 62-storey build-to-rent apartment tower in the CBD, arguing the $50 million-plus proposal needs more three- and four-bedroom units for families.
Citing a shift towards higher-density living, the council in Sydney’s west said it could not support the development’s proposed mix of dwellings – half of which would be studio or one-bedroom apartments – because it would not meet the growing demand for diverse types of high-rise housing.
The Argyle Street site where the developer wants to build is close to Westfield Parramatta and Parramatta Square.
Singapore-based developer Roxy Pacific Holdings is seeking concept approval for the mixed-use tower, which would comprise 328 homes above a three-storey commercial podium on Argyle Street.
In its submission to the Department of Housing, Planning and Infrastructure, the council says the development “does not provide adequate provision of three-bedroom and four-bedroom dwellings”.
The council said the proposal included 168 studio or one-bedroom units and 146 two-bedroom units, but only 14 three-bedroom units. The plan did not allow for four-bedroom apartments.
“[It] does not provide a diverse range of unit sizes and is inconsistent with the requirement to provide adequate options to prospective tenants in relation to the size and layout of the dwellings,” the council said.
“In addition, the proposed dwelling mix would not enable tenants ... to relocate to other dwellings in the building that will better accommodate their housing requirements should their requirements change.”
Parramatta was experiencing a tilt towards higher-density living and more three-bedroom units were required to accommodate larger households, council data showed.
The submission said homes with two and three bedrooms were the most common dwelling size in Parramatta; however, the proportion of three- and four-bedroom residences had dropped from 36.5 per cent of total dwellings in 2011 to 26.8 per cent in 2021, creating a widening gap in demand.
The council said the provision of three-bedroom apartments in Parramatta was low. Only 5.4 per cent of apartments had three bedrooms or more, compared with 34 per cent of separate houses and 9.8 per cent of medium-density housing types.
The proposed tower “should consider the demographic composition of Parramatta and accommodate a range of household sizes, so the development can effectively meet the needs of the local community,” the council said.
A scoping report, prepared by consultants Urbis, said the state significant development would “enhance the residential offering in proximity to Parramatta station”.
“The proposed residential use is also aligned with broader state, regional and local initiatives to deliver diverse and affordable housing options.”
The report notes the building could reach 80 storeys if the developer leveraged the Minns government’s incentives that give developers bonuses of up to 30 per cent on height and floor space ratios if a proposal dedicates at least 10 to 15 per cent of building space to affordable homes.
“The applicant is currently examining whether the proposed concept could include a portion of affordable housing,” it said.
The department has requested the developer prepare a response to the submissions.
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