A $625 million mixed-use development planned for the heart of Parramatta could soon see more than 600 renters make the city its home.
If given the tick of approval, two new towers proposed for the unoccupied land at 2 Fitzwilliam Street are expected to provide an additional 316 units for the people of Parramatta.
“The proposal will establish the delivery of 316 build-to-rent homes in a highly accessible location within walking distance of employment, shops, services, and public open space to address the shortfall of rental housing options,” the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) said.
“This housing supply is particularly important for the Parramatta LGA, where renters are the fastest-growing proportion of households.”
The western residential build-to-rent tower would reach a maximum of 48-storeys tall, with the eastern tower to be a maximum of 35-storeys.
Along with accommodation, the buildings would also provide new office space, retail, a rooftop swimming pool and bar as well as gym, co-working space and other amenities. Four basement levels would be used for vehicle parking and servicing.
“[The proposal will] strengthen the Parramatta CBD’s role as Sydney’s dual-CBD by facilitating the delivery of approximately 33,000sqm of premium office floor space in the heart of the Parramatta CBD near current and planned public transport infrastructure, shops and services,” the EIS said.
“In doing so, the proposal will support the vision of a ’30-minute city’ where residents live within 30 minutes of their job by rebalancing employment opportunities from Sydney’s east to west.”
A through-site link would also connect pedestrians from the site to the Parramatta Train Station and Bus Interchange. The link would function as public space, providing opportunities for cafes, retail, community spaces, public art and landscaping.
The proposal is anticipated to generate approximately 1,547 construction jobs and 105 operational jobs.
Encouraging the community to have its say, State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said it’s “great to see” the build-to-rent proposal moving through the planning system to offer tenants long-term security over their lease.
“Build-to-rent projects like these are vital to help people in need get a roof over their head and provides a new level of housing security,” she said.
“The Fitzwilliam Street concept proposal is one of 19 build-to-rent developments currently in the NSW Planning system.
“This is a well-connected project with housing close to existing infrastructure, including train and bus services at Parramatta Railway Station, Westfield Shopping Centre and other high street shops and services within walking distance.”
Currently on exhibition, any issues raised with the proposal must be addressed by the applicant before the Department of Planning and Environment carries out an assessment of the proposal.
If approved, a competitive design process would also need to be carried out before lodging an application for the detailed design and construction of the development.
To have your say visit http://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/fitzwilliam-and-argyle-streets-build-rent
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.