$2-bil Parramatta Square development moves forward with demolition approval

One of the largest renewal projects in the country, the $2 billion Parramatta Square development, has taken a major step forward, with demolition works approved after years of costly delays. It aims transform the heart of Parramatta into ‘western Sydney’s Martin Place’ as a rival to the Sydney CBD.

The redevelopment will kick start with demolition works to local council offices and the city library, with future plans including the construction of at least five major commercial, civic and residential buildings. These buildings will border a 250 metre long public domain and main road in the middle of the city.

The Parramatta Council has approved the demolition of the two council buildings on the site and workers will be relocated in order to accelerate the construction process. At this stage, there have been no developer or development applications approved for the sites as these will be part of stages two, five and six. If you are looking to submit a development application and require rates for your estimated cost of works, use our quote request tool to get plant and equipment hire rates.

The demolition of the neighbouring section of buildings alongside Darcy Street is expected to be approved in the coming weeks. Plans for the Darcy Street site will include one or two commercial towers as well as a proposed 90-storey residential tower named ‘Aspire’.

Parramatta Square redevelopment plan (Image source: Parramatta City Council)

According to Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd, the council didn’t want to risk further complications and the move will make the construction sites ready for digging.

“We have a lot of discussion over this. It is an important thing for us to get Parramatta Square up and moving and this is a show of confidence in the market, our staff and the future of Parramatta.” – Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd

In order to temporarily move the library and council offices as well as 350 staff to nearby buildings, a lease agreement has been finalised.

According to Western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber David Borger, this project had been the “great hope for the city”.

“It’s always been the hope that one day we would be able to pull off this project which would supercharge the whole CBD and it has been a long time coming. This will be western Sydney’s Martin Place, but hopefully even better.” – Director David Borger

Demolition works are expected to start this year, and developers for the site are set to be chosen in the coming weeks. Parramatta Square is expected to open for business in 2019 if construction goes according to plan.

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Author's note: Original article from The Sydney Morning Herald