Parramatta: 59-storey commercial tower planned for 91 George St
At 59 storeys, an office tower will be so tall it will impede aircraft routes if it is approved for a spot in Parramatta that developers have eyed for several years. See the plans.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A bold, $480 million 59-storey commercial tower could add to Parramatta’s growth spurt if the project is approved for 87-91 George St, where the lofty building would dwarf the heritage-listed Perth House.
GPT Group proposes a two-level lobby with shops on the ground floor, a double-deck basement carpark for 58 cars and over 84,000sq m of commercial space.
After a design excellence competition held last spring, GPT selected Bates Smarts as the winner. The building will occupy the site where ID Hair Design salon operated, and an office tower and Better Brakes car repair shop stand.
If approved, the Federal Government must permit a crane to be used for three months during construction because of its height.
The project will also require approval from the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts because the tower will intrude into the Bankstown Airport flight space.
Once completed, it will be fitted with aviation-standard obstacle lighting.
Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the scale of the project was a vote of confidence in Parramatta.
“We’ve seen from Parramatta Square that there is a premium on creating precincts that give workers great retail and a sense of place,’’ he said.
“This project will enable historic Perth House to be the centrepiece of a renewed George St East and provide retail that is lacking for other office workers.’’
In 2018, the site was earmarked for a Four Points by Sheraton high-rise hotel proposed by Marriott Starwood.
The $76 million 300-room, 24-storey hotel was planned to open in 2020 but today the site remains undeveloped.
The value of the GPT proposal means the Sydney Central City Planning Panel will determine the project, which will be a contemporary presence near its 181-year-old neighbour, Perth House.
The Colonial Victorian Georgian residence was built in 1841 and designed by James Houison, whose prolific work also includes All Saints Church at North Parramatta.
MORE NEWS
More Coverage
Future Olympians! Try-fectas, close calls in Next Gen 7s battles
There were blowouts, close calls, a hot boot and multiple try-fectas in the opening round of the Next Gen Sevens rugby series in Sydney. Stars, great photos and Rd 1 result wrap.
‘It’s a special thing’: Australia’s rare rugby result in New Zealand
Rugby’s U18s rising stars have done something few other Aussie teams have managed in recent times - completing a shock and awe mission across the ditch for two wins. Stars, result wrap