Locals have slammed plans for a new 12-storey mixed-use development on Macquarie Street, calling it “unacceptable”.
City of Parramatta has rejected a proposal for a new co-living space in the Parramatta CBD, after owners of the surrounding buildings voiced their frustrations over the development at the latest Local Planning Panel.
The building would have comprised of 76 rooms, indoor and outdoor communal spaces and 500sqm of commercial space on the ground and first floor at 183 Macquarie Street.
Located within 300 metres of the Western Sydney University (WSU) Parramatta Campus, the development was designed to cater for tertiary student accommodation.
Registered Planner Graham Pascoe, who spoke on behalf of his client who owns an adjoining property, said the building would have adverse impacts on the light rail functionality and is inconsistent with the desired future character of the surrounding area.
“The site is unsuitable, the standard of accommodation is unacceptable, the built form is unacceptable, the impacts upon the public domain and adjoining premises, including my client’s property, is unacceptable,” he said.
“The proposal is not in the public interest.”
George Khoury, who represented the ownership group of the adjoining properties, also spoke against the development.
“We support Council’s decision to recommend refusal for this project.”
Speaking in favour of the co-living space, Director of Think Planners Adam Byrnes said the development would provide a multi-purpose space in an urban setting.
“We all enjoy places like Angel Place in the city CBD, little Italy Street in Redfern, the shared spaces of the Rocks,” he said.
“This is our intention with this space and that we think has merit in and of itself.”
Architect Peter Israel called the development a good idea, adding that the local university needs more student accommodation.
“We did have an understanding with Council that this was a site that could be developed on its own and that it was an idea that made good sense, being that the uni needs accommodation for its students,” he said.
“The value is that they provide not just a place to sleep but they provide personal care… there’s a manager who’s interested in the emotional, physical, everything welfare of the students, it’s not just a bed.”
The applicant requested a four-week extension to allow further information to be provided, but the panel declined to do so.
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.