- The tower has been given the all-clear to proceed with a design competition
- Parramatta is recognised as Sydney's second CBD
- The Planning Minister enlarged the original proposal by 22 storeys
The Greater Western Sydney city of Parramatta has been given the green light to proceed with a design competition for a 47-storey office tower above Westfield Parramatta.
The news has been welcomed by Ross Grove, the Western Sydney director of the Property Council of Australia (PCA), who said it highlights investor confidence in the commercial centre future of Parramatta, touted as Sydney’s second CBD.
“Parramatta only continues to grow and expand as people understand and unlock the true potential that Western Sydney brings,” Mr Grove said.
“For decades Westfields has been one of Parramatta’s great institutions. It has anchored Parramatta as a centre for retail and brought in visitors from across the region.
“Today’s announcement builds on that legacy, and positions Westfields to host not only one of the largest retail centres, but also one of the city’s largest commercial towers.”
Ross Grove, Property Council director
Mr Grove added that more premium-grade office was available in Parramatta than ever before.
Recently, GPT’s Smith Street tower came to the scene, which has added 26,000sqm in premium grade space. Additionally, new towers at 6 Hassall Street and 6 and 8 Parramatta Square will open over the next few months.
“Parramatta’s office market is strong and will remain that way for what I expect will be a very long time,” he said.
“The pipeline for Parramatta looks very promising with city-shaping projects like Parramatta Light Rail, Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”
Rob Stokes, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, said he approved an increase of 22 storeys to the original proposal, resulting in an additional 105,000 square metres of commercial floor space.
“As Minister for Planning, it is my goal to ensure we have the right development in the right place at the right time, and this proposal does that.
“It will add to the exciting mix of developments that are reshaping Parramatta’s skyline, such as those in Parramatta Square.”
Rob Stokes, Minister for Planning
Since 2020, 19 state significant projects have been approved in the Parramatta LGA, generating over $7.9 billion in capital investment.
Geoff Lee, the Member for Parramatta, said the development was perfectly positioned near the train station and would provide close to 3,000 construction and operational jobs.
“This is part of Parramatta’s post-lockdown pandemic future. More office workers will mean more money for local businesses who are doing it tough right now,” said Mr Lee.
A design competition will now be held followed by detailed public domain street designs which will be finalised once the development application is formally lodged.
