Parramatta’s tallest tower, 2 O’Connell St, closer to reality
A proposal for what would be Parramatta’s tallest building - standing at a whopping 69 storeys - is one step closer to final approval and has been put before a planning panel. CHECK OUT THE PLANS HERE.
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An apartment skyscraper planned to be Parramatta’s tallest building is almost a reality but two airports are worried its height could interfere with aircraft activity.
The Parramatta Local Planning Panel on Tuesday gave the 69-storey project at 2 O’Connell St the green light, edging it closer to final approval.
It also recommended heights on the site leap from 35m to 217m.
The site is currently occupied by offices in St John’s Terrace and will eclipse the Meriton’s twin towers planned for 180 George St by three storeys.
Along with the residential tower, plans include a neighbouring 11-storey mixed use development with three levels of commercial space.
No issues were raised during Tuesday’s meeting but aviation authorities have expressed concerns the building is too lofty and are worried it could impede flight activity in the area.
During initial consultation, the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development (DIRD) and Sydney Metro Airports raised concerns with the skyscraper.
Sydney Metro Airports has advised the building and crane works would interfere with Bankstown Airport’s airspace, and possibly that of Sydney Airport.
The department said the project could require approval under the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996, and assessment by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia before construction began.
Planning papers stated Bankstown Airport would be required to review “a full aeronautical assessment” before DIRD made its final assessment.
But this won’t happen until a development application is submitted for the project.
The public feedback generated 12 submissions including one from neighbouring Westfield about traffic congestion around loading docks, and the remaining from residents over the risk of structural damage to adjoining buildings during construction.
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The council officer’s report said the developer would be required to prepare dilapidation reports of public and private infrastructure before and after construction.
“Further, the State Government has also recently appointed a NSW Building Commissioner in response to concerns regarding construction standards,’’ the report said.
“Draft legislation is also currently being considered which aims to improve industry standards and practices and make designers and builders more accountable.”
The panel has now recommended Parramatta Council forward the proposal to the Planning Department to prepare for finalisation.