Parramatta’s Novus on Harris unit tower to feature rooftop yoga, barbecues

A rooftop with sundecks, private dining area and yoga are planned for a complex opposite a brand new light rail stop. See the plans here.

Concept plans for Novus on Harris in Parramatta.

Architecture firm Rothelowman has been confirmed as the winning architect to deliver a build-to-rent project fronting Parramatta light rail stop when the $2.4 billion line opens in 2024.

Novus on Harris, at the corner of Hassall and Harris streets, will house more than 200 apartments opposite Robin Thomas Reserve, where one of the 16 stops for the controversial line will sit.

Novus Group’s acquisition of the $210 million development site was the second purchase in partnership with M&G Real Estate.

The 34-storey tower will contain shops and offices, and the flats will have one, two and three bedrooms as well as facilities that focus on health and wellness.

The main lobby and communal facilities for residents is on level two and the rooftop comprises terraces, large sundecks, barbecue areas, yoga and picnic lawns as well as a private dining and lounge area.

The 34-storey tower is a stone’s throw from Robin Thomas Reserve.

A development application is due to be submitted to Parramatta Council before Christmas and, subject to approval from the NSW Planning Department, construction will begin in mid-2023.

Rothelowman won the Design Excellence Competition to lead the interior and exterior designs with town planners Think Planners.

Artist's impression showing thoughtful designs to match surrounding environment at Novus on Harris in Parramatta.

Novus co-founder and chief development officer Jason Goldsworthy said the project would “deliver much-needed housing into an environment where residential vacancy is extremely tight, and the future supply of housing being delivered is very limited”.

Rothelowman principal Ben Pomroy said the complex would be built with flexibility in mind.

The rooftop at Novus on Harris will have a yoga space.

“The flexible shared spaces at Novus on Harris will seamlessly integrate residents from their local community to their home,” he said.

Novus consulted indigenous artist Geoff Sellman and designer Simon Alexander Cook before submitting the winning entry, which uses materials and colours inspired by the local landscape connecting the park, river and creek at the edge of the CBD.

The complex will overlook Robin Thomas Reserve and “will provide future residents with views spanning over the park and Sydney CBD, with an abundance of amenity and transport in close proximity”.

Despite works on part of the light rail wrapping up last year, the line will not open until 2024, pushing it back a year.

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