Western Sydney’s tallest towers: Meriton’s plans decided on by planning panel

Following months of delays, a $322 million plan has been approved which will see a record broken for the tallest residential tower in Western Sydney. SEE THE ARTIST IMPRESSIONS.

Artist impressions of what will be the largest residential tower in Parramatta at 180 George St.

• Plans for ‘tallest residential skyscraper’
• Transforming Western Sydney: $1.1 billion of development

The long-awaited decision on development mogul Harry Triguboff’s $322 million plan to build western Sydney’s tallest residential tower has been decided on by a NSW Planning Panel, following months of delays.

Meriton received the tick of approval by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel at a meeting on October 9, for the construction of two record-breaking skyscrapers for the banks of the Parramatta River at 180 George St — just a few hundred metres from western Sydney’s current tallest residential building, Meriton’s Altitude.

What the towers will look like.

The plans were approved on October 9.

The developer’s ambitious plans for almost 1000 dwellings in the 57 and 66-storey skyscrapers have been before Parramatta Council and the NSW Planning Panel since July last year, proposing the construction of two mixed-use towers including a whopping 767 residential units, 216 serviced apartments and more than 2300sq m of retail floor space.

A 24-hour bar, public plaza, childcare centre and commercial gym centre around the base of the soon-to-be-built giant on the banks of the Parramatta River.

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

Parramatta Liquor Accord spokesman, and former objector, Adam Burns, said there were major concerns around a lack of consideration of the growing night-time economy of Parramatta, noise impacts and operation hours for residents living above dining precincts.

However, Meriton spokesman, Walter Gordon, said the mixed-use precinct was “100 per cent compliant”.

A Parramatta Council spokeswoman told the panel meeting a “Night Time Economy Framework” was endorsed overnight, declaring the need for guidelines for future development applications.

Panel chair, Mary-Lynne Taylor, said all issues with the development had been resolved and the proposal was an example of “design excellence”.

“This proposal is consistent with development standards, satisfies design principles and will increase the stock and range of housing,” she said. “It will also improve affordability in the Parramatta CBD.”