A controversial multi-million dollar plan to build high-rise towers around a historic 220-year-old church has divided the Parramatta community.
If given the green light, the St John’s Anglican Cathedral master plan and rezoning proposal could see the heart of Parramatta be totally transformed,.
The $400 million planning proposal for a new public square and the construction of a commercial and mixed-use tower surrounding the church has been discussed at a recent Local Planning Panel (LPP).
The plans were referred to the panel after it received a whopping 406 submissions, with 59 per cent opposing the development, 40 per cent in support and one per cent neutral.
At the centre of the debate is the possible demolition of the St John’s Parish Hall – a building that has sat in Parramatta for 111 years.
National Trust of Australia NSW’s Parramatta branch president Cheryl Bates said the planning proposal will “destroy the significant heritage centre of Parramatta” and should not proceed.
“The proposed towers will introduce unacceptable impacts on the landmark qualities of the cathedral and its setting,” she said.
“The amenity of Centenary Square, a gathering place for over 230 years, will be compromised by towers that are too high and too bulky.”
Ms Bates said the developer has been “unwilling” to negotiate any changes to the proposed vision of the site.
“Don’t be misled, the church is a developer and should be treated as such,” she said.
“The church is building what is predominantly a commercial development to be sold to members of the public and not only for church parishioners.”
However, St John’s Reverend Bruce Morrison spoke in favour of the plans and said it would turn the site into a “vibrant commercial hub” that would attract more national tenants.
Although Council’s original Planning Proposal supported the de-listing of the hall, the Department of Planning and Environment’s (DPE) Gateway Determination required that it be removed from the Planning Proposal.
The DPE suggested any proposal to demolish the hall should be assessed as part of a future development application.
Jattca Property Director Tina Tang, who is assisting St John’s with the proposal, said the preference is to remove the hall so a “much larger” public square can be created.
With the LPP members electing to recommend the planning proposal for approval, it then moved to the Parramatta Council, who also voted to support the development at the latest meeting.
The plans will now progress to the DPE, who will ultimately decide whether or not the bold development goes ahead.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.