Designs for ‘Next Gen’ Tower Revealed for $1.6bn Precinct

General Property Trust’s 40-storey development in Parramatta is moving forward as the developer launches new concept designs for the second tower at its “next generation” site. 

Barrack House on George Street is being redeveloped as part of a $1.6-billion office development dubbed Perth House Precinct, which was announced last year. 

The urban design report submitted by Curzon and Partners shows a new building envelope for the tower, which will consist of A-grade commercial office floor space with ancillary retail premises, with a maximum gross floor area of up to 53,757sq m. 

The proposed design considers the integration of the new 91 George Street tower and the existing building condition at 85 George Street, as well as the future development opportunities at 85 and 79 George Street “to ensure a holistic precinct solution”. 

GPT, which is listed on the Australian stock exchange, already released plans for its first tower, at 87-91 George Street, earlier this year.

▲ A render of GPT’s second tower for its Perth House Precinct.

Described as being “in the geographical heart of Sydney’s population, 22km west of Sydney’s CBD, it has “great potential to lead the future of new urban development”, according to the report. 

Parramatta will soon be “an extension of the Sydney CBD”, it said, and the area has already seen some major development works being undertaken, such as the multiple residential masterplanned builds at Wentworth Point.

At George Street, existing buildings and structures on the site will be demolished with excavation works for one basement level, and the development will activate three street frontages with retail, entertainment and commercial uses.

Detailed proposals for the George Street site will be part of subsequent development application following a competitive design excellence process.

The properties at 81 George Street, 83 George Street and 1 Barrack Lane as well as the heritage stables at 2/85 George Street were reportedly purchased by GPT for $90 million.

GPT already owned other addresses on George Street and the heritage-listed Perth House, which it acquired in 2019.