Government to sell land at 2 Fitzwilliam St, Parramatta, but council wants park

Instead of converting vacant land in Parramatta’s CBD into an urban oasis, the government plans to sell it to developers — a transaction that could fetch more than $60 million.

An opportunity to add a park to Parramatta’s green-starved CBD is likely to be overlooked as the government plans to sell the 2000sq m site at Fitzwilliam St to developers keen on populating the city’s skyline with more high-rise offices or apartments.

After former councillor Steven Issa raised the suggestion for an urban park at an April 2019 council meeting, the chamber resolved to start discussions with Transport for NSW to seek a temporary licence to lease the site at 2 Fitzwilliam St, with the intention of transforming it into a community reserve.

But in August 2020, the Transport Minister advised the council that the government “was not in a position to commit to repurposing the land” which is near the transport interchange and opposite Parramatta Library.

Mr Issa is no longer on the council but urged it to fight for a park.

“I would be actively lobbying the State Government to reconsider that plan to sell that part of the land,’’ he said.

“It’s one of the remaining opportunities to have a public domain on the south side of the station.

“It creates that link to Westfield and what’s going to be the new council building (at Wentworth St).’’

While another commercial building was “not going to hurt Parramatta”, Mr Issa said the sale was a “missed opportunity’’.

The land at 2 Fitzwilliam St, Parramatta. Picture: Google Maps

“We’ve got many levels of government concerned about a lack of green space, passive and recreation areas, the effect on urbanisation and the warming of our city, yet we’re selling sites that could be used to aid that cause, which will likely be developed,’’ he said.

Last year, the council purchased a building, to be used for administration staff, at nearby Wentworth St for $64 million.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said Property Development NSW was assessing expressions of interest it received in February for Fitzwilliam St.

“Any development proposal would have to be independently assessed by the City of Parramatta Council, which would involve community consultation,’’ he said.

Parramatta is crying out for more parks. Picture: Adam Yip

Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis welcomed the opportunity to have discussions with the State Government soon.

“Our city is always looking for ways to increase our open, green space,’’ she said.

“This site presents a great opportunity to provide much needed passive recreation space in the heart of the city. I am keen to have discussions with the State Government as soon as possible about how we can achieve this.”

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