Parramatta Square photos show Walker Corporation’s $3.2 billion redevelopment

New photos reveal how the six-building redevelopment plan for Parramatta Square will transform the suburb into western Sydney’s “living room”. Once completed, the entertainment and corporate hub will bring 23,000 new jobs to the area.SEE THE AMAZING PHOTOS.

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The bold $3.2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment is transforming the suburb into western Sydney’s “living room” with the entertainment and corporate hub rapidly taking shape even in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Walker Corporation project features six buildings — its major tenant is National Australia Bank headquarters — while organisations including Western Sydney University and State Government agencies will bolster the Parramatta workforce by 23,000 when the redevelopment is open in 2023.

The underpass linking the train station to the 6000sq m public domain is also attracting restaurateurs and foodies, with Betty’s Burgers already open and nosheries including Harvey’s Hot Sandwiches and CicciaBella fitting out their digs ahead of a September debut.

Workers in May 2019 begin work on 3 Parramatta Square where NAB is establishing its headquarters. Picture: Angelo Velardo

A view from the back of Parramatta Town Hall in May 2019 shows the redevelopment’s early phase when a hole dominated the landscape. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger predicted Parramatta Square would become a meeting point, just like the Town Hall steps.

“I think in the future young kids are going to meet at Parramatta Square and go and have a night out,’’ he said.

“It’s a bit like the living room of western Sydney and we’ve built half the living room but we’re doing a few renovations.

“I think this is such an important place for western Sydney and it’s a high quality place for urban design.”

Old and new: Construction of Parramatta Square in April dwarfs St John’s Anglican Cathedral, with NAB headquarters to the left and 6 and 8 Parramatta Square towering above to the right. Picture: Angelo Velardo

NAB headquarters, as viewed from Macquarie St in April, is one of the major tenants to occupy the redevelopment and is at 3 Parramatta Square. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The NAB building in July 2020. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Despite the coronavirus epidemic sparking an economic downturn, construction has been business as usual at Parramatta Square.

“They’re going hammer and tongs even now,’’ Mr Borger said.

“I think Parramatta Square has kept a lot of cafes and burger shops alive during the downturn.

“Our streets have become a sea of yellow and orange vests.”

His favourite vantage point of the development is the view of St John’s Anglican Cathedral from the public domain, as a “link to history’’.

A mural at Parramatta Square near NAB headquarters.

Artwork adds a splash of colour to the pedestrian link.

Three months later, images frame the progress with NAB building’s now black facade and the columns soaring on the building to the right. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Dubbed “the spaceship” the Parramatta civic and community centre will stand next to Parramatta Town Hall.

The $300 million 4 Parramatta Square was the first to open as part of the redevelopment.

The lobby of the 40-storey tower. PS4 will also include an events centre.

The public domain will be filled with pedestrians and diners. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Progress shows work on Parramatta Square 6 and 8 buildings. They will offer 124,000sq m of commercial floor space over 50 storeys. PS6 is due for completion in August 2021 and PS8 in April 2022. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Work has forged ahead during the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Gaye Gerard