073cab9a-7a96-4f06-8cae-ee603ca7331a

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>One of Australia’s biggest hotel development check-ins is under way and by no coincidence a new international airport—with an initial handling capacity of 10 million passengers a year—is taking shape nearby.</p><p>The construction of the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/western-sydney-aerotropolis-everything-you-need-to-know">Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek</a> is one of the key drivers of the hotel boom that is riding an investment and development surge in Parramatta. </p><p>Looking to capitalise on the future runway of business in what has been tagged Australia’s “next big city”, some of the world’s top hotel brands have been jostling for a foothold in the city only a 30-minute drive from the airport site. </p><p>By the time the airport is due to welcome its first passengers in 2026, <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/search?text=Parramatta">Parramatta</a> is forecast to have more than 1000 new hotel rooms. </p><p>UK-based hospitality giant IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts has just announced its fourth hotel in the evolving Greater Western Sydney hub, giving it bragging rights as the biggest hotel player in the Parramatta CBD. </p><p>In partnership with hospitality investment company Pro-invest Group it will develop a 239-room Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Parramatta in Smith Street. </p><p>Construction is scheduled to commence in April with completion due in the first quarter of 2024.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/f3c6c577-ec6e-428a-8425-fe09eed249a3.jpg" width="900"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A render of the planned 239-room Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Parramatta in Smith Street.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>IHG development director Jael Fischer said that Parramatta had cemented itself as a major commercial hub in New South Wales.</p><p>“IHG is excited to be at the forefront of re-shaping the city’s accommodation landscape,” Fischer said. </p><p>“We look forward to working closely with the community and being a major contributor to the local economy.”</p><p>IHG is also behind what is being touted as <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/paramattas-booming-cbd-to-get-five-star-hotel">Parramatta’s first luxury hotel development</a>.</p><p>The five-star Intercontinental-branded hotel is due to open its doors in 2025 as part of the dual-tower, 197 Church Street mixed-use project by Sydney-based developer Holdmark Property Group.</p><p>It will comprise 212 rooms across a slender 31-storey tower capped with a rooftop bar and signature restaurant.</p><p>In the heart of the Parramatta CBD, it is earmarked for a 4300sq m holding bounded by Church, Macquarie and Marsden streets and sits next to a site subject to a planning proposal for a 245-room Hilton Hotel.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/af72615c-49c3-4b7a-a1a1-de2f88e0abde.jpg" width="900"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A render of the five-star Intercontinental-branded hotel is due to open in 2025.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The US-based hotel behemoth is among several accommodation brands—including QT, Sheraton and Travelodge—with a sharp focus on Parramatta as it continues to undergo a massive urban transformation.</p><p>More than $20 billion of public and private investment will be <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/top-australia-transport-infrastructure-projects">pumped into infrastructure</a> and development in the area during the next five years.</p><p>Once considered a western suburb of Sydney, the City of Parramatta’s economy—with gross regional product nudging $30 billion—is now bigger than some of the country’s capital city CBDs, such as Adelaide (just over $20 billion).</p><p>“There’s a huge degree of construction going on out there,” Colliers national head of hotels Gus Moors said.</p><p>“You couple that with the light rail, new Sydney Metro and, in the future, it will be the closest CBD to the new Badgerys Creek airport … so there’s a lot of positives for Parramatta going forward that potentially fuels and underpins hotel development.”</p><p>Moors said the that development momentum had prevailed despite the Covid outbreaks, lockdowns and travel restrictions during the past couple of years</p><p>“The strength and the future growth of western Sydney will largely centre around Parramatta … and the reality is the hotel groups will always be willing to put their flag into the ground in these sorts of markets,” he said.</p><p>“It has been a very resilient market and a solid corporate market and increasingly so with government business being relocated out there.</p><p>“Ultimately, setting aside the current pandemic, what underpins hotels is corporate travel, particularly in CBDs and satellite CBD locations. That’s what helps them to stack up.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e9e545b9-18c3-4a64-873b-dccb650cf6b9.jpg" width="900"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The Intercontinental will comprise 212 rooms across a slender 31-storey tower.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Moors said Parramatta also was starting to get some better leisure drivers with the 30,000-capacity Western Sydney Stadium opening in 2019 and light rail connectivity with Sydney Olympic Park.</p><p>“That gives you the corporates from Monday to Thursday and the weekend leisure and sporting event business from Friday through to Sunday and that’s what is helping underpin the feasibility of hotels in that market … also, there&#x27;s the hospital business with the nearby Westmead Hospital and the like.”</p><p>He said most of the new hotels in the area were being wrapped into mixed-use developments.</p><p>“Where there is residential and commercial within a broader development play, hotels act as a good synergy with the other uses in the building,” Moors said.</p><p>Data from Colliers shows that accommodation room supply rose by 4924 rooms across the country’s 10 major markets in 2021, with Melbourne leading the way with 2339 new rooms opening in the city and 588 across the broader metropolitan area.</p><p>Almost 6850 new hotel rooms are scheduled to open nationally during 2022, according the research, with new openings set to peak in the second half of the year, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

One of Australia’s biggest hotel development check-ins is under way and by no coincidence a new international airport is taking shape nearby …

Holdmark Property Group's 197 Church Street development

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The hotel boom in Sydney’s emerging “second CBD” is still in full swing despite Australia’s tourism and hospitality sectors taking another Covid hit from the Omicron variant. </p><p>Sydney-based developer Holdmark Property Group has filed plans with the City of Parramatta Council for a dual tower development, one of which will accommodate a five-star Intercontinental-branded hotel. </p><p>Touted as Parramatta’s first luxury hotel, it will comprise 212 rooms across a slender 31-storey tower capped by a rooftop bar and signature restaurant with outdoor terrace. </p><p>Along with a 24-storey office tower, the hotel will sit atop a three-level retail podium and four levels of basement that will feature a grand ballroom as well as car and bike parking. </p><p>A wellness spa, gym, swimming pool, all-day dining and a ground-floor lounge bar also will be included. </p><p>The development is earmarked for a high-profile 4300sq m holding—bounded by Church, Macquarie and Marsden streets—in the heart of Parramatta and sits next to a site subject to a planning proposal and design competition for a future Hilton Hotel. </p><p>Several other hotel developments are currently planned or under way in Parramatta and expected to deliver 945 new hotel rooms by 2025. </p><p>Among the surge in activity, brands like QT, Sebel, Sheraton and Travelodge have been jostling to secure a foothold in the area as it continues to undergo a phase of urban revitalisation and transformation.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/6da255a1-798a-4ce9-9685-a1020f606046.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Holdmark Property Group’s dual tower development will include a 31-storey, 212-room Intercontinental-branded hotel touted as Parramatta’s first luxury hotel.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The tourism and hospitality sectors have been rattled by the latest wave of the coronavirus, which has upended travel plans just as borders were reopening. </p><p>But the recent development application lodgment by Holdmark of the plans for its 197 Church Street project reinforces its confidence in the market and booming Parramatta CBD going forward. </p><p>“We’re very confident in the future of Parramatta,” Holdmark property and marketing manager Kristy Nassif Elias said. </p><p>“Omicron is impacting a lot of things right now but eventually tourism and everything will pick up at some point.” </p><p>If approved, the development will replace a mix of two- and three-storey retail and commercial buildings on the site, including the heritage-listed Murray Brothers Building, the facade of which will be retained under the plan. </p><p>“The proposal will be a truly city defining development that will contribute to the evolution of Parramatta as the heart of the Central River City,” the development application said. </p><p>Diagonally opposite the historic Paramatta Square, the planned office tower has been designed by architectural firm Scott Carver with a layered form that “curves and twists as you move vertically”. </p><p>As part of the project’s overall design approach, a First Peoples  partner was involved in the process, resulting in a narrative of culture, heritage and sense of place with the creation of a public through-link called Ngara Nura Way—a name meaning “listen to Country, learn from Country and to share knowledge”. </p><p>“Ngara Nura Way not only physically connects the three bounding streets to close and form a block, it also symbolically connects two cultures together,” the design statement said. </p><p>“Overall, the design proposal will contribute positively to the urban life of the precinct, connect with its rich history and culture, and align with the transformational evolution in growth and prosperity currently witnessed in Parramatta.” </p><p>If all goes to plan, Holdmark is aiming for the project’s completion in 2025.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The hotel boom in Sydney’s emerging “second CBD” is still in full swing despite Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector taking another Covid hit...

A 45-storey residential skyscraper is at the centre of a planned development in plans filed with the City of Parramatta by Ecove Group.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Ecove Group has lodged State Significant Development plans for a $250-million, 45-storey skyscraper and commercial tower at Sydney Olympic Park.</p><p>The application lodged with the City of Parramatta council is for three buildings—a 45-storey tower comprising 464 serviced apartments, a 12-storey commercial office building which would connect via a pedestrian bridge to the apartment tower, and a five-storey pavilion. </p><p>Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects won a design competition for the mixed-use development proposed for the 7711sq m site at 2a and 2b Australia Avenue, which would create about 900 construction jobs.</p><p>According to Ethos Urban environmental impact statement, the proposed development would provide public benefit for people living and working in Sydney Olympic Park. </p><p>“The proposal will contribute positive economic impacts through the investment directly and indirectly during both the construction and operation of the serviced apartment, commercial office, retail, and registered club,” the report said.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3a8c3f7e-645c-49ea-8a67-04ea43153d64.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ A 45-storey residential tower is at the heart of the proposed Olympic Park development.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>“The innovative slender circular tower form on Site 2A was the superior urban design response, and along with the interesting tesselated facade design will create a landmark building for this site.</p><p>“The creation of an innovative commercial building providing cross laminated timber construction that spans over the railway corridor provides larger floor plates and therefore lower building height.</p><p>“The inclusion of cross laminated timber technology in the commercial building and the innovative approach to the facade both contribute to the ability of this development to be a successful sustainable development.”</p><p>The commercial building is aiming for a minimum 5-Star Green Star Rating.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/5ea0e04d-d8e9-4964-9db7-e689119e45d7.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects-winning designs for the Ecove Group’s proposed development.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The development aims to reinvigorate the precinct and create a high-quality public domain—the site is currently an at-grade carpark. </p><p>“The proposed development combines the demand for employment and retail uses and the significant need for serviced apartment accommodation to revitalise this underutilised site within Sydney Olympic Park,” the report said.</p><p>“[It will] contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the precinct as Sydney’s premier events and sporting precinct.”</p><p>Sydney Olympic Park is a 640ha parcel of land 14km west of the Sydney CBD. It has a growing residential community and is home to multiple sporting and entertainment venues. </p><p>While the Parkville precinct within Olympic Park is earmarked for commercial developments, the serviced apartment tower would help boost the local visitor economy, according to Ethos Urban’s assessment.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

A 45-storey residential skyscraper is at the centre of a planned development slated for Sydney’s Olympic Park…

Aland is planning to add eight storeys to its previously approved mixed use development for 14-20 Parkes Street, Harris Park to be called Paramount on Parkes.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Aland is planning to add eight levels to its previously approved mixed-use development in Parramatta, taking the building to 47 storeys.</p><p>The new floors would be added to the middle of the 2020-approved tower for 14-20 Parkes Street, Harris Park, to be called Paramount on Parkes.</p><p>The additional floors add 37 apartments to the project, bringing to total to 292 apartments, and six levels of basement for 237 cars.</p><p>The plans designed by Stanisic Architects showed ground floor retail, office space in levels 40 to 46 and communal areas above the podium and rooftop.</p><p>Demolition has already started on the 2800sq m site, which also fronts Wigram Street, to remove the five- and two-storey commercial buildings on it.</p><p>Aland <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cwg-international-finally-sells-the-peak-at-parramatta">purchased the site </a>from CWG International in 2017 for $40 million with a similar 44-storey development approved for the site.</p><p>Aland commissioned a model of the tower to be built of Lego as part of its promotional strategy in April. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a85a738a-92c9-4b28-9b28-7dbd4c187e39.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Aland&#x27;s 154m-high Paramount on Parkes development is planned for a site near the western Sydney CBD.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>This model was displayed at NRL team the Parramatta Eels’ home games for part of the 2021 season.</p><p>Aland head of development Ryan Lane said this would be their premium flagship project and was due for completion by early 2023.</p><p>“Aland is the Paramatta Eels sponsors, and its founder has always been an avid Eels fan—he is living his dream by sponsoring the team,” Lane said.</p><p>“So for Aland to put a building where their roots are and the home of their sporting team ... there is a lot of emotional pride in this project.”</p><p>Lane said the region was growing rapidly and was the third largest economy behind Sydney and Melbourne. </p><p>“The area is an investment hotspot, making it a well-connected location to work and live in,” he said.</p><p>“The project is officially launching next month after delays from the NSW lockdown.</p><p>“Coming out of lockdown, things are starting to look up and people are ready to experience life again. </p><p>“They want something to look forward to and this project offers exactly that.”</p><p>The western Sydney developer had to pause construction during the Covid outbreak which “severely” impacted 145 direct staff and more than 1000 subcontractors.</p><p>Aland is currently building about 1450 dwellings across five major construction sites in the Blacktown, Liverpool and Parramatta local government areas.</p><p>Aland’s other current projects include Schofield Gardens, The Hoxton in Liverpool, and Costello in Edmondson Park.</p><p>Construction sites were operating at 50 per cent capacity from August 11 and returned to full capacity on 27 September.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Aland is planning to add eight storeys to it Paramount on Parkes in Parramatta taking the building to 47 storeys

516483a6-7627-4ad4-8026-06a2f0f97406

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Lendlease has been awarded the fixed price contract to build the controversial $400-million Powerhouse Parramatta, which will become the city’s first 6-Star Green Star Building.</p><p>New South Wales Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the project would be the city’s biggest cultural investment since the Opera House.</p><p>“After a competitive tender process, Lendlease has been appointed to start construction with work to begin early next year,” he said.</p><p>Lendlease Building Australia managing director David Paterson said the Powerhouse was one of the largest structural engineering and architecturally complex projects under way in Australia.</p><p>“We are excited to have been awarded the tender and to work with the NSW government and the Powerhouse on this game-changing project,” Paterson said.</p><p>“We are committed to partnering with western Sydney communities and businesses to deliver this project.</p><p>“We already have partnerships with four western-Sydney-based steel fabrication companies and look forward to signing up many more local suppliers across Greater Sydney.</p><p>“Sustainability will be at the heart of this building and its construction and we are proud to be delivering Parramatta’s first public 6-star Green Star building.”</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/c6a82e84-2616-4138-af74-5cdcd6b0322a.png" width="850"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to open late 2024. Images: Infrastructure NSW</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The project is expected to create 4000 jobs during construction, including more than 300 trainees and apprentices, and hundreds of ongoing jobs once completed.</p><p>In an unanimous decision, French-Japanese firm Moreau Kusunoki and Australian-based Genton <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramattas-new-powerhouse-museum-revealed">were selected by an international panel</a> from a shortlist of six teams for the winning design. </p><p>Powerhouse Parramatta will include 60 creative residential studios expected to attract researchers, scientists and creatives.</p><p>Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said Powerhouse Parramatta would be a leading science and technology museum in Australia, and the first cultural institution to be located in western Sydney. </p><p>“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Lendlease to deliver Powerhouse Parramatta, which will give unprecedented levels of access to the extraordinary Powerhouse Collection,” Havilah said. </p><p>“We are very excited to be partnering with Western Sydney University and Infrastructure NSW during construction, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the next generation of architects, engineers and designers to learn and participate in the design and delivery of this cultural landmark.”</p><p>City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the Powerhouse project would put Parramatta on the cultural map. </p><p>More than 2 million people are expected to visit the museum each year when it is completed in late 2024. </p><p>The NSW government scrapped plans to mothball the Ultimo Powerhouse, committing more than $500 million to <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/ultimo-powerhouse-transformation">regenerate the iconic building</a>. </p></div></div></div></div></div>

Lendlease has been awarded the contract to build the $400-million Powerhouse Parramatta, the city’s first 6-Star Green Star Building...

Parramatta Road Strategy Light Rail Development

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Developers have been given the green light to build 27,000 apartments at the Homebush end of Sydney’s <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/camellia-metro-west-station-sydney">congested</a> Parramatta Road.</p><p>The NSW government has accelerated the planning process along the 23km corridor of Parramatta Road—particularly the western end—which has long been earmarked for high density residential development.</p><p>The Parramatta Road Urban Transformation Strategy, released in 2016 under the now-defunct UrbanGrowth NSW, detailed potential improvements to be made to public domain amenities such as bike paths, pedestrian walkways, seating and parks.</p><p>An update to the 2016 ministerial direction will now give statutory weight to the strategy, which the state government says could eventually unlock upwards of $850 million in investment.</p><p>Minister for planning Rob Stokes said the NSW government’s planning delivery unit had worked with state agencies, councils and stakeholders to get the strategy “off the shelf” and into action.</p><p>“Parramatta Road has been a 20km scar through Sydney’s heart for far too long, but we’ve now got real momentum to transform it,” Stokes said.</p><p>“With WestConnex open, Sydney Metro West on its way, and the necessary traffic studies expected to be completed by the end of the year, we want to continue the momentum.”</p><p>Stokes said given the main road’s congestion struggles in recent years, staged development will be required in line with transport upgrades to ensure that congestion did not worsen.</p><p>Transport for NSW said a strategic business case for public transport improvements on Parramatta Road over the medium and long term were close to completion after a year-long study.</p><p>Development applications can now be progressed to public exhibition to coincide with the completion of traffic studies.</p><p>The state government expects the strategy to unlock 50,000 post-pandemic jobs and eventually 50,000 new homes over the next 20 years and 60,000 by 2050. </p><p>It would also improve public space with $200 million allocated to deliver 32 new projects including new parks, cycleways, plazas and public art.</p><p>Major projects have been moving forward at pace in <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/category/Parramatta">Parramatta</a> in recent years including; <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-square-property-development-sydney">Walker Corporation’s $3.2 billion Parramatta Square commercial precinct</a> and the $2.4 billion light rail.</p><p>The Parramatta Light Rail provides links with Sydney Metro West at Parramatta, Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park and the existing rail network at Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park as well as ferries at Parramatta, Rydalmere and Wentworth Point.</p><p>The state government previously announced a preferred route for the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-light-rail-stage-2-in-doubt">second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail</a> that would connect stage one and Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.</p><p>The department of planning said it will now work with relevant councils to progress the Parramatta Road Urban Transformation Strategy and lodged planning proposals already in the system for gateway determination.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Developers have been given the green light to build 27,000 apartments at the Homebush end of Sydney’s congested Parramatta Road...

▲ From sporting fixtures to the show, Parramatta has adopted and adapted to keep world-class events rolling in the city.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The City of Parramatta has sprung back to life in the autumn and early winter of 2021 despite the continuing uncertainty brought by the pandemic, and while large gatherings are not allowed at the moment, the city is looking forward to hosting more great events in the future.</p><p>Major events held from March through to June included the Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park and the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival featuring the Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill Gardens. </p><p>These were complemented by sporting fixtures led by the GWS Giants, Western Sydney Wanderers and Parramatta Eels.</p><p>The City of Parramatta also staged its first in-person Covid-safe major event for the year with Parramatta Nights which included rooftop hangouts with local artist performances and open-air cinemas, which attracted more than 16,000 visitors to the city.  </p><p>These events and sporting fixtures show the confidence that visitors and investors have in the City of Parramatta, which continues to grow as a business and residential location, a spokesperson said.</p><h2><strong>Sydney Royal Easter Show drawing people back</strong></h2><p>In April, the Sydney Royal Easter Show welcomed nearly 800,000 people during the 12 days of the show. This included ticket holders, agricultural and commercial exhibitors, staff, volunteers and others working at the show. </p><p>Eight of the 12 days were sold out, with the show contributing significantly to the local economy.</p><p>Current figures were not available but in 2015 the RAS commissioned a size and scope study and found that the Sydney Royal Easter Show contributed $247 million to the NSW economy.  </p><p>The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) successfully delivered a Covid-safe event with the daily capacity limits dispersing crowds and ultimately creating history through higher mid-week attendance, the spokesperson said.</p><p>RAS general manager agriculture and the show Murray Wilton said following an incredibly tough year for all Australians, the show was an incredible success. </p><p>“The show has provided an opportunity for our farmers and Sydneysiders to come together safely and celebrate everything we know and love about rural Australia: farmers, food and family fun.&quot;</p><h2><strong>Rosehill Gardens shines with the Autumn Racing Carnival</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/94a7e31d-d790-465a-8806-31c0fe4917d1.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The Australian Turf Club’s Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival featuring the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill Gardens (and The Star Championships at Royal Randwick) was held in March and April.</p><p>Hosted under Covid-safe protocols with capacity crowds, the three consecutive Saturday Rosehill Carnival days attracted more than 20,000 spectators including almost 6000 local businesses, corporate partners and turf club members.</p><p>Economic analysis before the Covid restrictions found the Sydney Autumn Carnival annually contributes up to $62 million into NSW with an estimated 40 per cent generated in Sydney’s West.</p><p>Australian Turf Club CEO Jamie Barkley said: “Growing tourism and major events in the economic powerhouse of Sydney has never been more vital and the ATC’s world-class venue at Rosehill Gardens stands as one of the region’s biggest employers and a major driver of economic activity.”</p><h2><strong>GWS Giants celebrated decade of games</strong></h2><p>The GWS Giants kicked off their AFL season at Giants Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park against St Kilda.</p><p>Despite the disruption to the season with matches moving to accommodate lockdowns, the team has enjoyed large crowds at its games.</p><p>Around 30,000 people attended across the four GIANTS home games, generating significant match day revenue.</p><p>At the home game on May 23 against the West Coast Eagles, the Giants celebrated the team’s first decade.</p><p>Special celebratory activities included historical walks, special food and beverage options, anniversary activities and prizes for members and fans. This was topped off by a win for the Giants on their home turf.</p><p>“Sydney Olympic Park is a great central location for our home ground and training facilities. It’s very accessible for our fans, and GIANTS Stadium has a great atmosphere where the crowd can get right behind the team,” GWS Giants chief executive David Matthews said.</p><h2><strong>Wanderers attract record crowds</strong></h2><p>Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s home ground, BankWest Stadium in the heart of Parramatta, welcomed more than 73,000 fans at its games held between March 2 and May 30.</p><p>The Wanderers welcomed the biggest crowd of the A-League season in Australia to BankWest Stadium on May 1 when 20,336 supporters watched the Wanderers beat Sydney FC in a local derby.</p><p>Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said that playing in the heart of Parramatta was really important to the team’s success.</p><p>“We are fortunate to have the newly-built BankWest Stadium as our home ground. It provides easy access for our Western Sydney fan base, and creates a wonderful atmosphere for our members and players alike,” he said.</p><p>Hosting large events in Parramatta brings local people together and encourages others to visit the vibrant locations within the region.</p><p>Living with the pandemic for more than a year has shown that major events are welcomed and can proceed with Covid-safe measures in place.</p><p>The myriad of events in the City of Parramatta significantly contributes and supports the growth of the local economy.</p><p>The city is looking forward to hosting more events in the future to welcome people back into the city in a Covid-safe way once lockdown is lifted.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/301c1fae-fbaa-407f-a9c6-1bfb2892b5ae.jpg" width="580"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>The Urban Developer</strong></em><strong> is proud to partner with the </strong><a href="https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/"><strong>City of Parramatta</strong></a><strong> to deliver this article to you. In doing so, we can continue to publish our daily news, information, insights and opinion to you, our valued readers.</strong></p></div></div></div></div></div>

Parramatta’s ability to host successful events in the pandemic landscape has been tested in recent months. The results are impressive…

9d1dc1f7-8b5e-463b-b0bc-3a086658adf1

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Plans to build a vertical seniors village in Epping have been given the tick of approval by the Sydney City Planning panel. </p><p>The Uniting Church is behind the newly-approved 16-storey tower project. </p><p>Original plans were scaled back for the $100 million development in Sydney’s north-west following community concern over the project’s height.</p><p>Uniting Church had originally <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/45---53-oxford-street-epping-nsw-2121">lodged </a>plans for a 19-storey tower in September 2018, but withdrew its application for the 43-53 Oxford Street site. </p><p>The new and approved project will comprise 96 independent seniors living units, a 60-bed residential aged care facility, 20 care apartments and 14-assisted living apartments.</p><p>The Turner-designed tower will also comprise 155 car parking spaces across four basement levels. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/d2aebc03-a6ea-4489-b404-07e6e3d54f66.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:left;opacity:0.8">▲ Plans for 43 - 53 Oxford Street, Epping.</span><span style="float:right;opacity:0.8">Turner</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Nearby, Franpina Developments this month lodged plans for a $33 million “urban village” precinct in North Ryde. </p><p>The project, located on Epping and Lane Cove Roads, will comprise three buildings and range in two to five levels in height.</p><h2><strong>Parramatta pushes building heights</strong></h2><p>Parramatta&#x27;s CBD skyline could soar up to 243 metres under council’s new Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, now on public exhibition.</p><p>Changes to planning controls will allow buildings in parts of the CBD to rise up to 243 metres if approved.  </p><p>Council says it initiated the planning &#x27;blueprint&#x27; to expand the City’s CBD boundaries and increase capacity for commercial and high-density residential development through changes to planning controls.</p><p>Under the proposal, a 243-metre building is equivalent to approximately 62-storeys in a commercial office tower or 75 storeys in a residential mixed tower.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div></div></div>

  Plans to build a “vertical seniors village” in Epping have been given the tick of approval

Parramatta Square Walker Corporation

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Parramatta Square, a multi-billion-dollar urban renewal project set to transform Parramatta’s city centre into Sydney’s second CBD, is beginning to take shape.</p><p>Spanning a three-hectare site, the $3.2 billion <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-square-construction-groundbreaking-news-commercial-sector">Parramatta Square precinct</a> will deliver six buildings, as well as a refurbished Town Hall.</p><p>When realised, the project will feature the largest commercial office building in Australia, as well as 6,000sq m of public domain across the Parramatta Square masterplan.</p><p>The <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-square-commercial-provided-office-space">masterplan</a> is expected to accommodate a surging locality consisting of 23,500 workers, and will see Parramatta City rival Sydney’s CBD, with a total of $8 billion to be invested city-wide in buildings and infrastructure over the coming years.</p><p>Walker Corporation, led by <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/property-developer-lang-walker-joins-urbanity-2019">Lang Walker</a>, won the tender for the Parramatta Square development in 2015, beating out Centurion Custodians, Dyldam and Leighton Properties, and is now on track to deliver more than 290,000sq m of commercial space.</p><p>The project includes a new University of Western Sydney campus, four new A-grade commercial buildings and a new civic centre.</p><p>As well as the university campus and commercial buildings, the mixed-use precinct includes retail space, community facilities, a  community centre, library and a 250-metre-long public esplanade.</p><p>It will also take advantage of the future Parramatta Light Rail, while access to the existing train station will be made available through a new link into the square.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/566775f5-5a92-4562-81ba-b92a9c7d53a5.jpg" width="750"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>Parramatta Square in numbers</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>• $3.2 billion project<br>• 3-hectare site<br>• 290,000sq m total commercial and retail NLA <br>• 23,500 total occupants<br>• Tower 6 and 8 is the largest CBD commercial office building in Australia by gross floor area, comprising 125,000 square metres</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>Approvals</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><iframe sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-pointer-lock allow-same-origin allow-top-navigation allow-presentation" class="embed-responsive-item" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" style="max-width:574px;width:-webkit-fill-available" height="300px" src="https://youtube.com/embed/44iRmSs-36o"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Parramatta, in Sydney’s west, is the fastest-growing satellite CBD in the country, with near-zero office vacancy rates, and will be the main hub for the proposed second Sydney airport at <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/western-sydney-aerotropolis-everything-you-need-to-know">Badgerys Creek</a>.</p><p>Plans for the redevelopment of the three-hectare block were first mooted some 20 years ago.</p><p>The precinct was singled out as a key part of the future development of Sydney under plans put together by the Greater Sydney Commission—a 40-year vision with 20-year district plans.</p><p>By 2036 the Parramatta-based Central City, will become one of Greater Sydney’s western-most administrative and business centres, with state-of-the-art health and education facilities boardering the new CBD.</p><p>By 2056, the Western City is expected to have developed as a hub for trade, logistics, advanced manufacturing, tourism, health, education and science, centred around the planned $2.7 billion Western Sydney Airport.</p><p>The three-hectare CBD site, originally owned by the City of Parramatta, was handed to Walker Corporation in September 2015 and work commenced shortly after. </p><p>Full demolition of the existing buildings across the site, including council’s former administration building at 30 Darcy Street, were completed in early 2016.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>1 Parramatta Square: 1PSQ </strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/e61a73dc-1c64-44dd-9092-d23be61887ed.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The 14-level building, to be known as One Parramatta Square or 1PSQ, is the new CBD campus of Western Sydney University.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Developer Charter Hall was the first to make its mark on the CBD masterplan completing One Parramatta Square, or 1PSQ, which is the 26,500sq m home of Western Sydney University.</p><p>Charter Hall picked up the Parramatta development site at the end of 2014 for $16.25 million. </p><p>The $140 million Parramatta City campus, owned by two of Charter Hall’s managed funds, was designed by Architectus following an international design competition, and constructed and delivered by John Holland.</p><p>The 15-storey, 26,500sq m building was developed in close collaboration with anchor tenant Western Sydney University, which holds a 40-year lease to house its principal campus in the Parramatta CBD.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/497f936f-57cc-4a32-8bd1-ea182caedd2f.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The vertical education campus, located at 169 Macquarie Street, is now home to 10,000 students from its School of Business.</p><p>The A-grade commercial development features sustainable design and energy efficiency measures that uses rainwater to meet 35 per cent of its toilet needs has a 5-Star Green Star education design rating.</p><p>The other tenants of 1PSQ are Australia’s largest professional services firm, PwC, and government agency WaterNSW.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>3 Parramatta Square: NAB Centre</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/2127798c-2bb5-427a-bf96-5ca6acae2716.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 2 Parramatta Square render. Image: JPW Architects</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Developer Walker Corporation is responsible for the delivery of four commercial towers at the precinct—3, 4, 6 and 8 Parramatta Square.</p><p>3 Parramatta Square, also known as the NAB Centre, comprises 45,000sq m of commercial space and was completed in April by Built and its joint venture partner Obayashi Corporation. </p><p>The Johnson Pilton Walker-designed A-Grade officer tower features childcare facilities, a central atrium, three basement parking levels, a mezzanine level and ground floor podium with 412sq m of retail space.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/ea5cc063-26d3-42e5-83a4-b6221d97cb9c.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Anchor tenant National Australia Bank (NAB) beat many blue-chip tenants to sign up for the entire tower under a 12-year lease. The 17-level building is also occupied by the NSW government.</p><p>The building features tailored 3000sq m floorplates for the bank as well as sustainable initiatives meeting a 5 Star Green Star and 5.0 Star NABERS Energy Rating.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>4 Parramatta Square</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/01c21714-70e6-465a-8943-0834f8b58f6f.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 4 Parramatta Square render. Image: JPW Architects</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Walker Corporation’s twin-tower 4 and 6 Parramatta Square development reached partial completion earlier this year.</p><p>The first of the two 40-storey towers, Parramatta 4, comprises 70,000sq m of A-Grade of commercial space, 4,000sq m of retail space and a business and events centre.</p><p>Together, both buildings will house 110,000sq m of A-grade office space, and sit atop a two-level podium which will accommodate more than 3,000 square metres of retail space.</p><p>The commercial tower was constructed by Built and its joint venture partner Obayashi Corporation and designed by Johnson Pilton Walker.</p><p>The building opened its doors to 5,000 <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/walker-corporation-secures-anchor-tenancy-at-34bn-parramatta-square">NSW government workers </a>after securing 65,000sq m of the building’s floor space.</p><p>The building is now occupied by the departments of Planning, Industry and Environment and Finance, Services and Innovation. </p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>5 Parramatta Square</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a5b62572-a509-40ee-989d-d2cc43759913.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 5 Parramatta Square render. Image: DesignInc, Lacoste Stevenson, Manuelle Gautrand. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The City of Parramatta <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramattas-130m-civic-building-">commenced construction</a> on its <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/development-application-to-be-lodged-for-32bn-parramatta-square">long-planned</a> $130 million civic building at Parramatta Square in June.</p><p>Built will construct the six-storey civic centre after being selected by council in February to deliver the <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/consortium-designed-civic-building-parramatta-square-prepares-development">project</a> following a 12-month process.</p><p>The building was designed by architecture firms DesignInc, Lacoste Stevenson and French firm Manuelle Gautrand. </p><p>The three firms won the design competition for the Parramatta Square building in March 2016.</p><p>The crystalline building will offer 8,000sq m of civic space while also featuring a large multi-coloured digital façade for public art projections.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/7d608191-d62b-44e8-b8c7-4955417aa4db.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The civic building will incorporate council chambers, a library/community hub, a customer service centre and community rooms. Image: DesignInc, Lacoste Stevenson, Manuelle Gautrand Architecture.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The city’s historic Town Hall will be seamlessly integrated into the new civic building.</p><p>The sustainably-focused cultural centre will target a 5-Star Green Star Design rating with features such as high thermal performance, energy-generating solar panels, and water harvesting and re-use systems planned.</p><p>The building is expected to open in April 2022 in line with the remaining Parramatta Square precinct.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2><strong>6 and 8 Parramatta Square</strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/b02059d9-4a76-415f-9f04-d83284aa0a7d.jpg" width="920"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 6 and 8 Parramatta Square render. Image: JPW Architects</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>In January this year, the final two commercial towers in the Parramatta Square precinct were granted planning consent.</p><p>To be known as 6 and 8 Parramatta, the two new office buildings will comprise 125,000sq m of space, with an end value of $1.7 billion.</p><p>The taller of the two buildings, 8 Parramatta, will reach 50-storeys and is set to become Australia&#x27;s biggest office tower. </p><p>The tower was originally earmarked for 700 apartment residential development, to be known as the Aspire Tower, and was initially planned to reach 68-storeys.</p><p>Walker Corporation negotiated with the federal Civil Aviation Safety Authority to allow Aspire to exceed the flight path ceiling and reach a potential 90 storeys.</p><p>However, the developer decided against the initial residential proposal, instead furthering its commercial footprint and tapping back into the high demand for office space.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/092a98c9-e7c0-4aac-a92f-29678287e0ac.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 6 and 8 Parramatta Square renders. Image: JPW Architects</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The development, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, features two distinct towers that form a single integrated building with a massive 3,000sq m campus style floor plates. </p><p>It is being delivered by Built and its joint venture partner Obayashi Corporation. </p><p>The 6 Parramatta Square tower will offer highly engaged floor plates of 2,800 to 3,100sq m, with many atrium configurations allowing for a diverse and functional workplace.</p><p>The 8 Parramatta Square tower will provide unrivalled views ranging from the Eastern CBD to the Blue Mountains over a highly efficient 2,300sq m floor plates.</p><p>The Parramatta Square development will become home to 4,200 public servants after Walker Corporation won a Property NSW tender to lease up to 43,800sq m of office space on a 12-year lease from 2021.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

    Parramatta Square, a multi-billion urban renewal project to revitalise Parramatta city centre, is beginning to take shape.

Parramatta Square Built builder appointed Aus company

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Australian company Built have been selected to construct the $130 million <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/development-application-to-be-lodged-for-32bn-parramatta-square">5 Parramatta Square</a> following a year-long process by council.</p><p>The six-storey building would be the final addition to the new Parramatta Square precinct, a three-hectare mixed-use area in the centre of Parramatta CBD.</p><p>Plans for the sharp-tapered <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/consortium-designed-civic-building-parramatta-square-prepares-development">building</a> include council chambers, library, exhibition spaces, visitor services, meeting rooms and a cafe.</p><p>It was designed by French firm Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and Australian firms DesignInc and Lacoste + Stevenson following an international design competition.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/2c47c77b-ed10-4912-bde3-e91b2b5f615a.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ 5 Parramatta Square will be the new home of council chambers and the library. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>City of Parramatta lord mayor Bob Dwyer said the building would be the “<a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/development-application-to-be-lodged-for-32bn-parramatta-square">jewel in the crown</a>” of the world-class Parramatta Square precinct.</p><p>“The site of 5 Parramatta Square is challenging and Built has come up with innovative ideas for constructing a multipurpose building with a unique facade.</p><p>“The company is already delivering <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/lang-walkers-32bn-parramatta-square-wins-approval">6 &amp; 8 Parramatta Square</a>, part of Australia’s largest urban regeneration project.”</p><p><a href="US Giant Buys Built HQ for $180 Million">Related: US Giant Buys Built HQ for $180 Million - Expected Completion 2020</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4b318fb0-ebed-440c-8960-9716498ea731.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The Parramatta Square precinct overview. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Located next to Parramatta train station and a future light rail stop on Macquarie Street, the precinct includes 6,000sq m of public domain.</p><p>Council anticipates that construction of 5 Parramatta Square will be completed in April 2022, to coincide with the completion of the remaining Parramatta Square precinct.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Australian company Built to construct $130 million 5 Parramatta Square following a year-long selection process by council

Meriton Lodges $300m Worth of Residential Towers in Parramatta

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>Despite deteriorating confidence in Sydney’s residential property market, Harry Triguboff’s Meriton remains bullish about western Sydney, lodging hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of development applications in the greater western Sydney area.</strong></p><p>The first, a Woods Bagot-designed dual-tower project on a corner site on George and Charles Streets in Parramatta will add to the Meriton portfolio of five buildings at its 180 George Street site.</p><p>The $229 million proposal will include the construction of two towers, reaching 57- and 66-storeys, comprising 767 residential units, 216 serviced apartments 2,329sq m of retail a childcare centre and commercial gymnasium.</p><p>The two towers will complete the development of the nearly 8,000sq m site, which Meriton first starting developing in 2005. </p><p>The developer acquired the site from trade plant equipment manufacturer Hare &amp; Forbes in 2002 for $13.3 million.Meriton has been developing in Parramatta since 1973. </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/meriton-given-multimillion-dollar-slap-on-the-wrist-for-misleading-consumers-on-tripadvisor-">Meriton Fined $3 Million for Manipulating Tripadvisor Reviews</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/6292e39e-06bb-4618-9e53-d33c9e52d42e.jpg" width="1300"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Meriton&#x27;s $229 million dual-tower proposal will comprise 767 residential apartments, 216 serviced apartments and childcare centre.  </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br><em>The Urban Developer</em> reached out to Meriton for comment, with a spokesperson for the developer confirming that Meriton plans to retain part of the development for its Meriton Suites. </p><p>The south tower – the smaller of the two towers – will provide the serviced apartments component of the project, with 131 residential apartments. The north, 66-storey, tower will comprise 486 apartments.</p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/sydneys-metropolis-of-three-cities-moves-ahead--">Sydney’s Metropolis of Three Cities Moves Ahead</a></p><h2><strong>Meriton submits proposal for 27-storey tower in Macquarie Park </strong></h2></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/a0a88a2e-e1b4-4f40-bd87-a0ebf896a732.jpg" width="960"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">Meriton&#x27;s Macquarie Park stage one proposal is for a 27-storey tower, the second stage will add three more towers, with the highest reachings 60-storeys. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Meriton’s second recent development application, at Talavera Road, Macquarie Park is for a 27-storey tower.</p><p>The application marks the first stage of what is a controversial four-tower plan for the site, with an expected 1,256 residential apartments to be developed. Meriton will develop the remaining three towers, reaching 30-, 45- and 60-storeys as part of the project’s second stage.</p><p>The developer bought the site from Goodman Group in 2016 for a reported $200 million. After acquiring the site, Meriton lodged an application for the site’s rezoning to 60-storeys – planning allowed for a maximum 45-storey height limit – which was approved by the City of Ryde last year. </p><p>The DKO-designed stage one proposal will also comprise 212 residential apartments across 27-storeys, with a multi-storey carpark for 251 vehicles and a council-required childcare centre.</p><p>The estimated cost of work for the first tower is $67,584,257.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/dfe60ee3-b8a3-4688-9892-af1a25edb130.jpg" width="580"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:left;opacity:0.8">Image of Meriton&#x27;s stage one proposal. </span><span style="float:right;opacity:0.8">Supplied.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The developer recently completed the dual-tower “Altitude” at 330 Church Street in Parramatta. The project offered a residential component along with 254 serviced apartments. </p><p>Other proposed developments in Sydney’s bustling “second CBD” include 87 Church Street,<a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/parramatta-set-to-receive-two-new-hotel-skyscrapers"> 8 Phillip Street</a>, and <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/stockland-and-mcdonalds-announce-parramatta-apartment-project">Stockland’s proposal with McDonalds</a> for 350 apartments on the corner of Church Street and Victoria Road.</p><p>Recently approved projects include <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/gpt-wins-approval-for-parramatta-office-tower">GPT’s $230 million “northern gateway” commercial tower</a> and <a href=" https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/dexus-wins-approval-for-parramatta-skyscraper">Dexus’ 33-storey 140 George Street</a> project. </p></div></div></div></div></div>

Harry Triguboff’s Meriton remains bullish about western Sydney, lodging $300m worth of development applications in the greater western Sydney area.

Hero

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><strong>In an attempt to capitalise on Sydney’s second largest commercial hub, property fund manager Capital Property Funds has put its nine-storey Parramatta KPMG building on the market.</strong></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>The 33-year-old commercial office tower was purchased by Capital Property funds for $30 million in 2015. The building was last valued in June of 2017 by Cushman &amp; Wakefield at $39.9 million but is now expected to fetch over $50 million.</p><p>Savills Australia in conjunction with Inc RE have been appointed to sell the property at 91 Phillip St.</p><p>“Record CBD office prices and rental rates are pushing companies to consider Sydney’s outer suburbs, with Parramatta quickly becoming a popular cost-effective option,” Savills&#x27; Simon Fenn said.</p><p>“The Parramatta office market is the most exciting in Australia, as it transitions into ‘Sydney’s second largest CBD’”.</p><p>Parramatta’s infrastructure pipeline includes the <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/western-sydney-aerotropolis-gets-20bn-funding-boost-">Western Sydney Airport</a>, the $20billion WestConnex road investment program, the proposed <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/-parramattas-1bn-light-rail-set-to-begin-construction-">Parramatta Light Rail</a> and the multimillion relocation of the <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/nsw-state-local-government-team-deliver-maas-cultural-powerhouse-parramatta">Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta</a>.</p><p>Related Reading: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/rest-industry-super-to-sell-parramattas-eclipse-tower-">Rest Industry Super to Sell Parramatta’s Eclipse Tower</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>KPMG spans the fourth largest amount of space in the &quot;KPMG building&quot; behind tenants Regus, Cunningham Lindsey and the NSW Government. Other notable companies such as Frank Knight and Scentre Group also occupy space in the building.</p><p>The building features 5,407 square metres of A-grade net leasable area and comes with 133 secure car parks.</p><p>“Parramatta currently has Australia’s lowest vacancy level across all major commercial markets, with total vacancy sitting at 3.0 per cent and zero A-grade vacancy,” Fenn said.</p><p>“We are addressing pent-up demand following a five-year period of limited construction activity and record low A-Grade vacancy.”</p><p>The sale will take place via domestic and international expressions of interest.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

In an attempt to capitalise on Sydney’s second largest commercial hub, Capital Property Funds has put the 9 storey KPMG building on the market.

CITY OF PARRAMATTA