The Federal Member for Parramatta has slammed the NSW Government’s plan to rezone Parramatta North, calling it a “kick in the guts”.
The State Government has unveiled a proposal to rezone a 42-hectare site in Parramatta North, which would see the delivery of 2,500 new homes located along the new Parramatta Light Rail line and the creation of up to 12,000 jobs.
Under the plans, a new university campus, with potential for up to 25,000 students, would also be built in support of the Westmead Health and Innovation District.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said delivering a vibrant Parramatta North is the “next piece” in the puzzle.
“The rezoning of Parramatta North is crucial to unlocking the full potential of this precinct delivering jobs, housing, and open space, whilst taking full advantage of the new Parramatta Light Rail,” he said.
“Delivering a vibrant mixed-use precinct will mean the local community will be able to live, work and play on the doorstep of one of Sydney’s fastest-growing central business districts.”
As part of the proposal, the amount of recreational green space would also be increased, with roughly half of the precinct to be open space for the local community to enjoy.
Home to local heritage buildings, the NSW Government said the rich history of the area has been sensitively considered in the rezoning application of Parramatta North, with over 30 significant heritage buildings earmarked to be conserved.
Parramatta North’s Cultural Precinct, which incorporates the Parramatta Female Factory, is not included in the rezoning application.
But Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, who has been working alongside the community to secure World Heritage Listing for the Female Factory and Institutions Precinct, said the proposal has left him blindsided.
“To have no consultation or heads up is a kick in the guts after we’ve worked so hard on the World Heritage Listing of the Female Factory,” he said.
“Rampant development around this heritage jewel is a lost opportunity for Parramatta to create a cultural heart in our city. It’s a loss for the visitor economy, a loss for our history and a loss for the liveability and green space.”
Fearing the rezoning will jeopardise Parramatta North’s heritage buildings, Charlton called on the NSW Government to properly consult the community going forward.
“It is short-sighted to prioritise development in this area when there are so many better options for tens of thousands of new dwellings at Westmead South, Church St North, Macquarie Boys and Rosehill,” he added.
“The Minns government says the development will be limited but I am very concerned it will snowball once they let developers take control.”
The proposal is on public exhibition until February 10.
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.