Parramatta Square, Metro, Hilton Hotel to transform city with building boom |Full list

Plush hotels, major transport projects and a $3.2 billion corporate and restaurant hub — here are the projects transforming Parramatta post pandemic. See the full list.

When Parramatta’s multi-billion dollar construction boom resumes after the pandemic, it will go full tilt including projects such as Parramatta Square — Australia’s largest urban renewal project — but there will be challenges.

“The latest Covid-19 outbreak has been a major setback to the Parramatta economy,’’ Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said.

“The priority has to be for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible to bring down case numbers and allow us to get the local economy open again.”

The organisation predicted the now-lifted construction ban in late July would cost the NSW economy $32 million a day and one that put 80,000 jobs at risk.

When tradies are full dosed and construction sites are at full capacity, developments such as the square will house a different kind of workforce.

“Working from home or locally in some capacity will be a trend that will continue past this pandemic,’’ Mr Borger said.

“Parramatta can position itself as a central location for businesses to base their offices for their workforce to balance their working lives with a combination of time at home or in the office.’’

Mr Borger said Parramatta’s lower office costs per square metre made it an attractive alternative to the Sydney CBD and construction on major projects would bounce back.

“The construction ban has been a temporary setback on some of the major projects in Parramatta but it is great to see activity resume on Parramatta Square, light rail and on the Powerhouse Parramatta site,’’ he said.

Brett Mason, the CEO of Built, the construction firm behind Parramatta Square, said the site was operating at 50 per cent capacity, with growing numbers of tradies returning to work as they became vaccinated.

“Given the uncertainty that remains around the current situation in NSW, the full impact of the restrictions on the Parramatta Square project program is yet to be fully realised and we will continue to work with our clients, subcontractors, suppliers and teams to work as efficiently as possible within the current limits.”

Parramatta Square is a $3.2 billion redevelopment. Picture: John Fotiadis

Ross Grove, the Property Council of NSW’s western Sydney director, echoed forecasts for a strong future in Parramatta after an office market report revealed the highest availability for premium office space in 10 years, at 10.2 per cent.

“This is mostly due to the opening of new A-grade office space — and we’re set to see more of it come online as new towers under construction are completed,’’ Mr Grove said.

That includes GPT building 32 Smith Street at Parramatta which Coleman Greig Lawyers will occupy.

“Parramatta sits at the heart of a skilled and highly entrepreneurial dynamic workforce,’’ Mr Grove said.

“On account of the people alone, the city is well positioned for the future.

“The office workforce has returned to Parramatta before, and we will do it again.”

Space&Co has opened two levels of flexible work spaces in the Fender Katsalidis-designed GPT building to meet the demands of people wanting to work closer to home and the return of the workforce.

The work spaces include essentials such as high-speed internet, sit-down, stand-up desks, premium amenities and modern and stylish spaces, while a separate floor is dedicated to meeting, collaboration and connection space.

Space&Co national director Shey Hooper said the space was designed to spark creativity and passion.

Kate Woodhouse from GTP at Space&Co flexible work sites at Parramatta.

“It’s important to recognise that the value proposition of the office has changed,’’ she said.

“While many people still enjoy the feeling of sitting down at a workstation, we’re finding the biggest draw for coming back to the office is the capacity to connect and collaborate face-to-face, in spaces that allow teams to thrive.’’

Space can be booked for a day 24 hours in advance from $50 or between $600 and $1000 for a monthly desk rate.

Incentives are offered for 12-month terms.

The Space&Co flexible work site at Parramatta features desks, a coffee bar and boardrooms.

$4 billion for the River City

Opening a Parramatta Art Gallery, redeveloping the Roxy Theatre and delivering 84,000 new homes could be in the pipeline under a state government vision to pump $4 billion of infrastructure from Strathfield to Cumberland.

A group has formed to deliver 64 housing, job and public space projects across communities in the Parramatta, Strathfield and Cumberland council areas which have been “stuck in the middle”.

The group, called the Central River City Program Co-ordination Office, is part of the government’s Planning Delivery Unit (PDU).

“Strathfield to Westmead will be the economic spine of the Central River City,’’ Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.

“I’ve tasked the PDU to ensure government agencies, councils, infrastructure providers and developers work together to realise its economic potential.

“We’re creating a vibrant and thriving city with jobs, services and high-quality public spaces, all within 30-minutes of home via roads, pavements and public transport.’’

The group formed after the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue raised several issues in its Stuck in the Middle report in 2019.

The project will support 84,000 new homes and 105,000 new jobs over the next two decades.

● Upgrades to 14 Land and Housing Corporation sites from Melrose Park to Wentworthville

● Integrated mental health complex at Westmead

● Redevelopment of the Roxy Theatre

● The Bridges of Parramatta Park and Peoples Loop upgrades

● Western Sydney University Parramatta Aquatic Centre

● Seven creek and road corridor greening projects

● Parramatta Art Gallery

● Nine transport infrastructure projects and intersection upgrades

Parramatta Square

A public building dubbed the “starship enterprise”, the NAB headquarters, trendy restaurants and Australia’s largest commercial building.

Welcome to Parramatta Square, which is already home to the Planning Department and will be home to 30,000 workers once Walker Corporation’s colossal project, including the anchor 6 and 8 Parramatta Square towers, which will combine to be Australia’s largest commercial building.

Parramatta 6 and 8 are slated for completion in November and May respectively.

But it’s not just for suits.

Pre lockdown 2.0, foodies already started to flock to the dining square that boasts the popular LilyMu modern Asian restaurant and Ruse Bar and Brasserie.

The under-construction 5 Parramatta Square will be the “people’s building” and home to the

Parramatta Council chambers, a library and performance spaces over its six-storey asymmetric design dubbed the “starship enterprise” when it opens in April.

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the future of Parramatta Square would be positive beyond the pandemic.

“It will be the NSW Government’s administrative precinct for many years to come and a number of other large companies are signed up to have a strong presence in Parramatta,’’ he said.

“The square, when it is finished, will be a centrepiece for Parramatta’s transformation into a modern metropolis.’’

St John’s Square redevelopment

The Anglican Church is looking to the heavens for its bold $400 million plans to transform the precinct around the historic cathedral with a residential and aged care project.

There will be two towers including a 46-storey block for three auditoriums seating up to 1000 people and 44,000sq m of office space for 4000 jobs.

The second tower will be eight storeys and home to an aged care centre and student accommodation as part of the parish’s 100-year masterplan, needed to bring “more than 1000 worshippers into the 21st century”.

Powerhouse Museum

The $915 million museum is years from opening but has already polarised Sydney thanks to its “milk-crate-on-stilts” design to take over the space occupied by the heritage-listed Italianate villa Willow Grove on a flood-prone site.

The CFMEU-imposed green ban on the site was lifted on August 24, signalling imminent work to remove the former maternity hospital, built in the 1870s.

Architects Moreau Kusunoki have designed the controversial building, where the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences will house 18,000sq m of exhibition space including “cutting edge international exhibitions” for the “world class contemporary museum”.

Moreau Kusunoki and Gentonhas designed the Powerhouse.

MAAS says the museum will be the first NSW cultural institution to call western Sydney home and is expected to attract over two million visitors in its first year.

During its inaugural year, 10,000 regional NSW students will have the opportunity to stay at the museum's Powerlab Residences and the Academy overnight to “immerse themselves in the museum’s science, technology, engineering and maths programs”.

The accommodation — more than 50 apartments for students and researchers — has also riled critics who say taxpayers are being forced to shell out for the beds when there are multiple hotel options already in Parramatta.

Parramatta Westfield tower

A $670 million, 47-storey tower has been given Planning Department approval to soar above Westfield Parramatta, adding 105,000sq m of commercial space to the CBD at the corner of Argyle and Church streets.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes approved an increase of 22 storeys to the original proposal which he said would boost Parramatta’s status as Sydney’s second CBD.

“It will bring jobs to Sydney’s west and capitalise on city-shaping projects like Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West,” Mr Stokes said.

The project will create almost 3000 jobs.

“It will add to the exciting mix of developments that are reshaping Parramatta’s skyline, such as those in Parramatta Square.’’

The project will create 700 construction jobs and 2200 operational jobs and is one of 19 state significant projects the government has given the green light since 20, which Mr Stokes said had generated more than $7.9 billion in capital investment and more than 5500 jobs.

Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said the development was part of Parramatta’s post-lockdown pandemic future.

“More office workers will mean more money for local businesses who are doing it tough right now,’’ he said.

A design competition will get under way for the tower and a development application will be lodged.

iQ Westmead

Some of the nation’s brightest brains will descend on the $350 million Innovation Quarter (iQ) at Westmead.

The centre will feature some of Western Sydney University’s leading research institutes and house Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, at its 28,000sq m site on the corner of Hawkesbury and Darcy roads at Westmead.

It is predicted to pump $150 million into the economy when it opens this year

A $1.9 million residential complex being built as part of a health and innovation facility is also part of the iQ development and will comprise two blocks over eight and 11 storeys above shops and a childcare centre.

State Government’s vision is for Westmead to become the nation’s chief health and innovation district with leading researchers, entrepreneurs, health workers and students.

By 2036, the Westmead health precinct is expected to be full established and include multiple institutions including the Kids Research Institute, the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the Westmead Hospital which is undertaking a $1 billion redevelopment.

Parramatta Aquatic and Leisure Centre

It’s been four long, hot summers since Parramatta residents could enjoy a dip in the blistering western Sydney heat but that day will finally come when the $88 million aquatic centre opens in …

The beloved Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Pool, replete with an Olympic-sized pool, waterslides and diving boards, was closed in 2017 to make way for the $300 million Bankwest Stadium.

The new aquatic centre, on the former Parramatta Golf Club site at the corner of Pitt St and Park Pde, will comprise a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, learn-to-swim pool, indoor water playground, spa and sauna facilities.

Parramatta is thirsty for a public aquatic centre.

There will also be a cafe, fitness centre, multipurpose community rooms and up to 200 parking spaces on the 40,000sq m site.

Prepare your cossies and flippers for early 2023 when the pools are slated to open.

Rob MacKee, the CEO of Lipman, the construction firm building the pools, said he wanted to make the aquatic centre one of Sydney’s most iconic aquatic and leisure facilities.

“Lipman is thrilled to be delivering the Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre – a flagship project for western Sydney,’’ he said.

Charles Street Square project

Parramatta is known as Sydney’s second CBD but is also the central river city, and projects along the banks of the Parramatta River are evolving to reflect that.

Charles Street Square project, also known as Parramatta Quay, will feature a garden terrace and amphitheatre to welcome ferry passengers and extend from the intersection of Charles and Phillip streets to the river next to the Parramatta ferry wharf, where a $7.4 million upgrade was completed in late 2019.

The river’s transformation has already started. In April, the $16.35 million boardwalk, stretching from opposite Parramatta wharf to Melrose Park, opened.

The Abergeldie Complex-designed path is a magnet for cyclists and pedestrians and the 1.5 million people who walk or cycle along the river foreshore each year.

An artist's impression of the Alfred Street Bridge at Parramatta.

Alfred Street Bridge

Parramatta will be home to Australia’s first diagonal arch bridge when this 190m long, 4.5m-wide span opens in early 2022.

Bonacci Infrastructure has designed the bridge, which will connect the Parramatta CBD with Baludarri Drive and Western Sydney University’s Rydalmere campus, provide direct access to the proposed Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Ave stop and link four key regional cycling paths.

“Whether you are travelling across the bridge or down the river, you will share the same experience of passing under the majestic arch,’’ Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said.

InterContinental and Hilton hotels

Parramatta is at the centre of a massive hotel boom and the biggest hospitality heavyweight would have to be the Hilton and InterContinental hotels for the CBD.

The swanky Hilton will be Parramatta’s first five-star hotel and is expected to open mid 2024.

A spokesman for Ledrae, which owns the building at 20 Macquarie St, said once completed the 29-storey hotel would boast a hospitality school, ballroom, restaurants, bar, health and fitness centre, commercial offices and create 90 full time positions and 120 casual or part time workers.

NSW Planning Department will ultimately determine the Hilton planning proposal.

In May, plans were revealed for developers Holdmark to take over the Peter Wynn site at the corner of Church and Macquarie streets with the five-star Intercontinental Hotel with 200 rooms, rooftop swimming pool and bar.

The project comprises a 32-storey hotel and 23-level commercial tower that will deliver more than 360 direct and 1000 indirect jobs for western Sydney.

The hotel will also house a club lounge and 900sq m of meeting space.

Parramatta Light Rail

It has derailed many small businesses and caused Parramatta’s heritage to suffer a blow with the demolition of the Royal Oak Hotel, but love it or loathe it, the first stage of the $2.4 billion light rail is shaping up, despite Covid delaying progress.

The 12km dual line stretches from Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD, with a chunk of the network replacing stops on the heavy rail Carlingford network.

Three of the stops are at Westmead — Westmead Light Rail, Westmead Hospital and Gurung (outside the Children’s Hospital) and the service will serve Bankwest Stadium, three Western Sydney University campuses and Telopea’s $100 million social housing redevelopment which includes 4700 dwellings.

James Ruse Bridge will open at Rosehill as part of the Parramatta Light Rail’s stage one.

After the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the James Ruse Drive bridge at Rosehill is the nation’s second largest steel span.

The 1425-tonne, 64-metre long and 64m wide bridge was lifted place in July.

The line is due to open in 2023 and 28,000 commuters will use it daily by 2026 when about 130,000 people will live within walking distance of the light rail stops.

Despite more enthusiasm for the second stage of the project to be completed, its future is unclear without a firm commitment for the link from Parramatta to high density suburbs such as Sydney Olympic Park.

However, the $50 million allocated towards planning for stage two in the state budget have buoyed the hopes of community and business leaders, who have lobbied the State Government to complete the project, saying it’s critical to serve the booming population.

Metro

Parramatta and Westmead will each house a station as part of the 25km Metro West link that stretches from Westmead to the Sydney CBD via Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays.

The service pledges to slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD to 20 minutes.

The Westmead Metro is earmarked for the land bordering Alexandra Ave, Hawkesbury Rd, and Hassall and Bailey streets when it is completed in 2030.

The Parramatta station is to be built behind the Roxy Theatre where the City Centre Car Park now stands.

An artist impression of Parramatta Metro West train station.

Sydney University and tech hub

Sydney University revealed “world class’’ plans to open a campus in the Westmead Health and Innovative District, on the grounds of the Cumberland Hospital site at North Parramatta.

The university hopes to attract more than 25,000 students and 2500 staff by 2055 and provide affordable student and staff accommodation.

Sydney University will open a campus at the Westmead Health and Innovation District in North Parramatta.

Sydney University’s outgoing vice-chancellor and principal Dr Michael Spence said the university’s expansion in western Sydney was an economic, social, cultural and intellectual boost but critics slammed the project as “an unsolicited bid on public land”.

The developments will include a Parramatta Light Rail stop outside the campus, which is on the northern edge of the Cumberland site and next to the North Parramatta heritage core, which includes a tech start-up hub.

The Wentworthville Mall redevelopment will transform the suburb’s former village-like shopping centre.

Wentworthville shopping centre

Wentworthville Mall’s $212 million redevelopment comprises a whopping 523 apartments over four blocks soaring to 21 storeys.

The high-rise development at 42-44 Dunmore St and 13 Pritchard St East will replace the village-like mall that started to decline when the IGA supermarket closed in 2017, forcing the collapse of neighbouring small businesses.

The new centre will include a “vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood’’ with a supermarket and specialty shops, which will be linked to the train station via a public plaza.

The plans contribute to 1800 homes planned for Wentworthville and its rapidly soaring skyline.

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