Parramatta’s plan to future-proof CBD gets seal of approval

City of Parramatta Council’s plan to create more jobs and homes in the CBD has been given the tick of approval by the NSW Government, with the focus now on securing funding to deliver the services and facilities needed to support the growing population. 

The Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, which has been in development since 2013, will see the boundaries of the CBD expanded and heights of residential and commercial buildings increased to enable the delivery of an estimated 43,000 new jobs and 12,000 new dwellings over the next 40 years.

The Plan also aims to protect key elements that make the City liveable, including the retention of vibrant streets and natural light in public spaces. New rules guiding development around heritage items have also been included.

“Over the last decade, Council has worked tirelessly with the NSW Government, community, landowners and developers to create a blueprint for development that acknowledges the specific needs of our unique City,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“While today’s announcement will enable us to start putting our long-anticipated plans into action, there is more work to do. In order for the transformation of our City to be truly successful, we call on the NSW Government to endorse our supporting CBD Infrastructure Contributions Plan as soon as possible.

“This will ensure developers pay their fair share, so we have the necessary funding to deliver the infrastructure, facilities and services needed for our growing community.”

Council estimates that it could be left hundreds of millions out-of-pocket in community infrastructure funding over the next 40 years if its CBD Infrastructure Contributions Plan is not endorsed alongside the Planning Proposal. 

Council notes that the NSW Government has rejected proposed controls for some precincts and introduced changes to the Planning Proposal that may negatively impact the number of new jobs and homes that can be delivered, including limits on the amount of office space. 

Council will consider its response to these changes in the coming weeks.

“The future of our CBD hinges on getting these plans right, so we won’t rest until our vision for the City is realised,” Cr Davis said.