The first look at multi-million dollar plans to turn the long-standing Octagon building in Parramatta into a two-tower mixed-use development has been revealed.
A huge transformation could soon be on the way to 110 George Street, with a Development Application (DA) now submitted with City of Parramatta.
Under the proposed plans, a 47-storey northern build-to-rent tower would front Phillip Street, while a 30-storey southern commercial building would face George Street.
Along with 397 build-to-rent apartments, the northern building would also feature a three-storey podium containing retail premises, including a neighbourhood supermarket and café, co-working spaces and other amenities.
The southern tower would include a four-storey podium containing retail and commercial premises, as well as a centre-based childcare facility.
The site’s existing two-level basement would be reconfigured for a shared three-level basement, providing a total of 252 parking spaces.
The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said the proposed development will capitalise on the site’s strategic location, as well as deliver several public benefits including an upgraded and connected public realm.
“The proposal represents an exceptional opportunity to co-locate much-needed housing and employment floor space with a fine-grain retail and improved public domain outcome commensurate with the site’s CBD location,” it said.
“Once operational, the proposal will support approximately 3,140 jobs.”
The proposed development, designed by architecture firm Hassell, would also provide new through-site links, including a pedestrian connection between George Street and Phillip Street, as well as new connections to adjoining sites.
A new central plaza will integrate the site’s central public domain with the southern building’s internal area to provide a space that the local worker community can utilise.
By increasing pedestrian access, the planned development hopes to make the site more open to the public, both during and after work hours.
“The proposal will introduce a residential population at the site to support increased activation after work hours and on weekends,” the document said.
“The additional activity would benefit the Parramatta CBD’s emerging night-time economy and support people movements with flow-on benefits to local businesses.”
The plans will ultimately be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel.
It comes after a $338 million concept DA for building envelopes containing commercial premises and hotel accommodation was approved back in 2021.
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.