Plans for a 22-storey commercial building at the site of the former Barnaby’s Restaurant in Parramatta could see a new restaurant, bar and more office space come to the city.
The first look at the proposed over $30 million building at 66 Phillip Street has been revealed, following the submission of a Development Application (DA) to Parramatta Council.
If given the tick of approval, the current existing heritage-listed cottage, built in the 1840s, would be “restored” and turned into a café.
“The heritage cottage is to be retained and will be subject to a minimal intervention restoration to make suitable for adaptive reuse,” the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said.
“The proposal sees unsympathetic additions removed and where aspects of the cottage have been lost – those temporal areas will be stabilised and left exposed or minimally treated to demonstrate a clear demarcation between past intervention and new use.”
According to the SEE, the 22-storey tower would be elevated on columns, creating a visual separation between the historic cottage and new structure.
“The floorplate of the new tower does not overhang the heritage item, nor does it create significant built form immediately behind it – instead it rises above the buildings – creating space and curtilage around the building that would otherwise not be available – enhancing the opportunities to understand the items,” the document said.
“Elevating the tower form and creating a reverse podium provides space for the cottage to maintain its urban presence and position within the city street scape.”
Level one of the proposed development would feature a new restaurant with a balcony, with office space taking up levels six to 12 and 14 to 18.
A rooftop bar and restaurant would also sit on level 19 and a mezzanine bar on level 20. A café is also planned for the promenade level of the building, overlooking the foreshore park and Parramatta River.
Above ground parking for 18 car spaces would be integrated into the building façade on levels two to five, with access provided by two vehicle lifts from George Khattar Lane.
“The proposal enables the new upper level promenade that will allow a continuous and active edge to the River that would be fronted by cafés, restaurants, bars and other retail tenancies – all with views to the Parramatta River,” the SEE revealed.
“[It] provides for a suitable use of the land and respects the heritage located on the site and adjacent the site.”
The first look at the proposed development comes after an Architectural Design Competition was undertaken by developer Hanmari, which saw Sydney-based architecture firm Smith & Tzannes awarded as the winners.
The application will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel in the coming months.
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.