Parramatta: 960 units for former Cumberland Newspapers site
The printing presses stopped rolling long ago and now plans for almost 1000 units as high as 60-storeys on Parramatta’s former Cumberland Newspapers site are edging closer to completion. Find out what’s included in the proposal.
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Plans to transform the former Cumberland Newspapers site at Parramatta into a three-tower apartment complex with bars and rooftop pools are almost across the finishing line.
Parramatta Council last night adopted a planning proposal that brings the 960-unit complex for the 142-154 Macquarie St closer to reality.
Developer Dyldam first submitted plans for the 12,499sq m site in 2012. The massive project will feature a public plaza, laneway, cafes, shops, public art, community gardens and infinity pools on the rooftops.
The towers will soar to 25, 35 and 60 storeys.
Greens councillor Phil Bradley labelled the project “a gross overdevelopment” that was originally 580 units.
Parramatta councillor Patricia Prociv opposed the plan and cited noise concerns coming from bars in the complex.
“My concern is that these 960 dwellings will have 960 families and I would like to ask people if you’re a doctor or nurse who lives in this building and is kept awake at night with music that comes from licensed premises, then would you be happy if they treated you the next day?’’ she said.
“We need to actually be thinking of not just the economic benefits of these things but the potential social costs.’’
But Councillor Bill Tyrrell argued that the development suited the council’s plans to bolster the night life.
“This isn’t the boondocks, this is Parramatta City,’’ he said.
“This is the place we live. We are not here to close doors and live in NIMBY town.’’
Public feedback raised concerns about overshadowing and the size of the development but council staff said it was consistent with the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal.
As part of the project, the council will receive $4.7 million to allocate towards widening Argus Lane, and upgrade the Parramatta City River Strategy and James Ruse Reserve.
Parramatta Light Rail will also upgrade Robin Thomas Reserve opposite the complex.
The council will now forward the planning proposal to the Planning Department for finalisation.
NewsLocal, formerly known as Cumberland Newspapers, left the site in 2014.
