Octagon building: Hotel to replace landmark at Parramatta

A landmark Parramatta office block will be demolished to make way for a hotel as part of a $338 million two-tower development in the CBD.

The Octagon building Parramatta.

Parramatta’s longstanding Octagon building will be demolished to make way for a $338 million two-tower development to house a hotel, offices and shops at George St.

Under the proposal, there would be a 200-room, 19-storey hotel and a 36-storey office tower occupying the block, where the six-storey Octagon stands.

Shops would occupy the ground floors of each tower, and a three-deck basement carpark are planned.

Sydney Central City Planning Panel will determine the development application for the 7097sq m site.

The Octagon building at 110 George St Parramatta.

The tower would be a stone’s throw from the Powerhouse Museum and the first stage of the light rail, once completed.

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger said more hotels signalled a vote of confidence for Parramatta.

“More investment in commercial office space and accommodation means more jobs in Parramatta closer to the growing population centres in western Sydney,’’ he said.

“We’ve got more visitor economy infrastructure and attractions coming to Parramatta including western Sydney’s first major cultural institution, Powerhouse Parramatta, that is anticipated to attract millions of visitors each year. The market is responding to this with more hotels and local accommodation.’’

The taller tower is for commercial offices and the shorter block is for the hotel. Picture: Crone Architects

Mr Borger said Parramatta was one of the hottest commercial property markets in Australia.

“The Octagon is one of the largest sites left in the Parramatta City Centre and represents a golden opportunity to add to the dynamic commercial offering in Parramatta,’’ he said.

now.

“COVID-19 has led many companies to look for sites out of the Sydney CBD where offices are more affordable and closer to home for their workforce.

“I look forward to this proposal moving through the approval process and meeting the design excellence criteria to join its place in the Parramatta skyline.’’

A string of hotels are planned for Parramatta’s CBD including the five-star Hilton at Marsden and Macquarie streets, the Holiday Inn Express at Smith St, one at Aird St near Westfield, a Holdmark proposal for the Peter Wynn Score site at Church St and the under-construction QT on Phillip St.

In September, the ICC Development Group announced plans for a five-star Sheraton on the Square atop a private hospital at Hunter St.

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