Parramatta Emerges as Build-to-Rent Test Bed

Developers continue to test their mettle in Sydney’s west as the only part of the NSW capital where build-to-rent is likely to stack up. 

Urban Property Group has filed concept plans for a 393-apartment, two-tower build-to-rent development in Parramatta. 

The Greater Sydney developer has a solid background in mixed-use high-density building and won the tender for the block of vacant land from Transport for NSW when it was listed earlier this year. 

The SJB-designed towers have been slated for the 2812sq m site next to the Parramatta Railway Station at 204 and 205 Fitwilliam and Argyle streets. 

According to planning documents, the mixed-use towers would also accommodate retail and commercial floor space. 

“The proposal will contribute to a stronger and more vibrant Parramatta CBD by delivering rental housing choices, office floorspace, and activated ground-floor uses within walking distance of public transport, high-amenity outdoor space and world-class cultural facilities,” the scoping report said.

“Approval will be sought for a concept proposal for a planning envelope with a maximum height of 40 storeys, accommodating a total GFA of about 70,500sq m with a mix of build-to-rent, commercial office and retail uses.”

▲ The building massing would be limited to 40 storeys due to solar plane access of nearby Jubilee Park.

The concept design is for two towers, one a 393-apartment build-to-rent tower and the other a commercial tower with almost 37,000sq m of gross floor area. The height of the towers has been limited to assure solar access to nearby Jubilee Park.

The concept development application will be used to inform the design competition and more detailed design of the project if approved. 

Urban Property Group has delivered townhouses, apartments and commercial spaces all over Greater Sydney. It currently has projects in Woolongong, Penrith, Edmondson Park, and Macquarie Park in the pipeline, with Parramatta also firmly in its sites.