Parramatta’s ‘Auto Alley’ going as government approves high-rises
The section of Parramatta known as the ‘Auto Alley’ because of the large number of car yards across that stretch of road is set to be replaced with high-rises as the state government approves two key projects. SEE THE FULL LIST HERE
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Parramatta’s legendary “Auto Alley” is set for the scrap heap following the approval of a mammoth residential and commercial development.
As part of the latest round of fast-tracked approvals, Planning Minister Rob Stokes has signed off on developer Dyldam’s rezoning proposal for a 180m tower containing 430 units at 87 Church St, the site of the Ford dealership.
The new commercial and residential hub will link up (via a skybridge) with the company’s redevelopment of the old Heartland Holden site across the road, creating a link between south Parramatta’s industrial centre and the CBD proper.
“This project is evidence that the days of car yards in Auto Alley are probably numbered,” Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger said.
Parramatta Council has plans for new office towers of up to 115m (28 storeys) tall along the southern end of Church St.
Dyldam founder Joe Khattar said the project will start within four months, generate 700 jobs and “bring Parramatta together”.
The latest round of fast-tracked approvals by the government has also seen Toplace founder Jean Nassif’s 167m tower at 189 Macquarie St get the green light, although the current height controls are 91m.
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That approval has been granted despite an ongoing legal dispute between Toplace and Parramatta Council over the unauthorised construction of two additional levels of carparking.
The two towers will not become the tallest in Parramatta — that title will soon rest with billionaire property mogul Lang Walker, whose 8 Parramatta Square will soar to 233m in 2021.
Parramatta Council has a proposal to increase overall building height limits to 243m in its CBD.
“Parramatta already boasts a thriving commercial sector and vibrant community hub and these approvals will pave the way for more people to live close to where they work and play,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said. “These fast tracked rezonings are part of our planning system acceleration program to kickstart the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In the past four months this program has approved 90 projects — creating around 50,000 jobs and injecting $25 billion into the economy. A further 11 projects will be determined within the next four weeks.