Transforming Western Sydney: Development for Greater Parramatta

More than $1 billion worth of development will be decided on across a booming Western Sydney CBD this month, as plans to transform it into a futurist metropolis become a reality.

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A $1.1 billion vision to revitalise Parramatta into the 21st century beating heart of Sydney is nearing reality.

Ambitious plans from developers for several proposals across Parramatta are set to learn the fate of bids to dramatically transform the CBD skyline, as a NSW Planning Panel meet this month to determine multimillion-dollar proposals for the Parramatta CBD, Westmead, Wentworth Point, Merrylands and Epping.

The $1.1 billion investment in western Sydney development could see the creation of its tallest residential tower, as well as a Greek Orthodox cathedral, on the banks of the Parramatta River.

An artist impression of what could be the largest residential tower in Parramatta.

Harry Triguboff in his office at Meriton. Picture: John Appleyard

Harry Triguboff’s Meriton is the developer behind the $322 million proposal to build two mixed-use skyscrapers — as high as 66 storeys — as well as 24-hour bar, restaurant, childcare centre and gym at 180 George St, Parramatta.

Courtney’s Brasserie chef and owner, Paul Kuipers, who operates a popular restaurant just metres from the proposed development, raised concerns over a lack of consultation from developers Meriton and safety of staff working through a “demolition and construction site”.

The ground breaking plans from the development mogul’s company were deferred by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel on July 31, with representatives raising concerns around the impact the growing Parramatta night time economy would have on residents in Meriton’s residential skyscrapers.

Paul Kuipers from Courtney’s Brasserie raised concerns about the construction ruining his business. Picture: Joel Carrett

A representative from the Parramatta Liquor Accord, a local licensee partnership, said there was “no possible way the planning panel could approve the development in its current form”.

“The development application’s reports completely ignore the impact the 24-hour licenced venue will have on residents,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, a proposal for a $28 million plan for a massive cathedral to cater for 400 worshippers of the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Parramatta have also been deferred for the former Parramatta Workers Club site at 163 to 165 George St.

The proposal included plans for the construction of a new, “purpose-built Place of Public Worship”, as well as a public forecourt area and underground parking.

An artist impression of a multimillion-dollar proposal for a new Cathedral on the banks of the Parramatta River.

Plans for two twin hotels on the Great Western Highway at Parramatta will also be decided this month, expected to cost more than $47 million.

The development would see the construction of 203 hotel rooms, two restaurants and bars and a cafe at the gateway Parramatta site.

An artist impression of two hotels at Great Western Highway.

Residents and businesses in the CBD have also witnessed the approval of a 48 storey mixed-use high-rise tower featuring 385 residential units, alongside thousands of metres of retail and office floor space at 116 Macquarie St this week.

The $106 million proposal, approved this week, will overlook Parramatta Public School — which is currently undertaking its own $97 million redevelopment — and just metres from the $227 million high-rise redevelopment of Arthur Phillip High School.

An artist impression of a 48-storey proposal for Macquarie Street and 7 Charles St.

Artist impression of Parramatta Public School.

Westmead will also continue the charge as the Southern Hemisphere’s powerhouse medical hub, with $70 million plans for a 16 storey mixed use development comprising of retail, a licensed bar and restaurant, a gym and massive medical centre approved this week.

The development, which received criticism from current residents around noise generation, will also include a five-storey hotel containing 97 rooms to service the fly-in-fly-out medical community and 33 units across six storeys of residential apartments at 24 to 26 Railway Pde.

PARRAMATTA: An artist impression for 24 to 26 Railway Parade, Westmead.

An artist impression of the residential development at Wentworth Point.

Wentworth Point could also see its continued masterplanned redevelopment, when an exclusive $89 million residential community is determined on Wednesday next week.

The proposal earmarks the construction of a nine-storey residential building, featuring 207 luxury apartments, as part of the revitalisation of the NSW Government priority precinct expected to continue through to 2031.

NSW Roads and Maritime Services will build a marina at Wentworth Point.

The redevelopment plans for Wentworth Point comes a year after $143 million plans by Roads and Maritime for a new marina and rowing club were approved.

The Epping community continues to debate over controversial plans for a $64 million, 21-storey shop top housing development at 48 Beecroft Rd, which will finally be determined on Wednesday, after legal challenges and deferrals by the NSW Planning Panel.

PARRAMATTA: An artist impression of the disputed development application for 48 to 54 Beecroft and 52 to 54 Rawson Street, Epping.

The building, designed by award-winning architects, would include a two and three-storey retail podium containing a series of retail spaces, as well as 130 apartments across a further 18 storeys, if approved next week.

While Merrylands RSL, located in the Cumberland local government area at 10 to 15 Military Rd, will also learn its fate after an ongoing battle for the approval of three residential towers and commercial building on August 15.

An artist impression of a $292 million redevelopment of Merrylands RSL.

The proposal earmarks the construction of 401 units at the RSL and was first brought to Cumberland Council in December 2017.

Social Demographer Mark McCrindle said a further 300,000 people were expected to more into Greater Parramatta by 2036: “meaning development and growth is essential to meet the demand”.

“Parramatta is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia, so the level of growth that is currently being experienced is phenomenal,” Mr McCrindle told the Saturday Telegraph.

“Greater Parramatta is the heartland of Sydney and the good news is a lot of infrastructure is well underway.

Mark McCrindle speaks at the Australian Regional Economies Conference.

“But, as higher density development occurs, we will see people move towards needing more walkable communities.”

The social demographer said residential and commercial growth would see demand to fast-track infrastructure projects such as the Parramatta light rail and Sydney Metro west.

“Approximately 62 per cent of all Parramatta residents rely on private vehicles to commuter to work,” he said.

“A total of 26 per cent of commuters currently rely on public transport and this is expected to continue to rise.”