The Sydney Central City Planning Panel has approved a $70 million redevelopment at 7 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, proposed by The Trustee for Coliv Macquarie Property Trust. Lodged on 5 April 2024 and approved on 14 January 2025, the project involves replacing the existing multi-storey car park with a 16-storey mixed-use building. This redevelopment aims to provide 306 co-living accommodation rooms, retail spaces, and communal facilities, representing a significant investment in Parramatta’s urban renewal.
The Site and Surroundings
The site, located in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD, spans 1,877m². Importantly, it is adjacent to heritage landmarks such as the Old Government House and Parramatta Park, both UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. This proximity places the project under strict heritage planning controls to protect the cultural and historical significance of the area.
Currently, the site accommodates a multi-storey car park, which will be replaced with a modern building designed to align with Parramatta’s vision for sustainable growth. The project’s design incorporates features that enhance its integration with the surrounding urban environment.
Details of the Proposed Development
The approved development includes:
- A 3-storey podium, housing a retail precinct, concierge, and a loading dock.
- A 13-storey tower containing 306 co-living rooms, each equipped with private bathrooms and kitchens.
- 1,325m² of indoor communal spaces and 494m² of outdoor landscaped areas, providing shared amenities for residents.
- Sustainability features, such as an elevated ground floor to mitigate flood risks and energy-efficient systems.
The ground-floor retail space, spanning 525m², aims to activate the streetscape and foster pedestrian engagement. Additionally, communal facilities on Levels 1 and 2 offer spaces for residents to socialise and enjoy recreation.
Planning Instruments and Compliance
The site is zoned MU1 Mixed Use under the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (PLEP 2023). Both co-living accommodation and commercial premises are permissible in this zone, subject to council consent. The development complies with key planning controls, including:
- Height Limit: The building’s height of 54 metres adheres to the prescribed maximum.
- Floor Space Ratio (FSR): The project achieves the allowable ratio of 6:1.
- Conservation Agreement: The design respects heritage guidelines by maintaining appropriate setbacks, material use, and height limits.
Moreover, the project satisfies the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, particularly in exceeding the communal space requirements for co-living developments.
Flood Mitigation and Sustainability
Due to the site’s flood-prone nature, the design incorporates robust mitigation measures:
- The minimum habitable floor level is set at 12.6 metres AHD, exceeding council recommendations for flood safety.
- A comprehensive stormwater management system ensures that the development does not adversely impact surrounding properties.
The project also prioritises sustainability through energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and environmentally responsible materials. These features contribute to Parramatta’s long-term sustainability goals.
Community Feedback and Responses
The application was publicly exhibited from 16 April to 8 May 2024, during which four objections were received. The concerns raised focused on:
- Noise and dust during demolition and construction.
- Potential structural damage to nearby properties.
- Crane operations and overall site safety.
In response, the planning panel included conditions of approval to address these issues. Measures such as noise suppression, dust management, and strict crane operation protocols have been implemented to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding community.
Artist impression by Bayley Ward
Design Excellence and Urban Benefits
The project introduces modern features that enhance both the residential and commercial aspects of the local area:
- Retail Activation: The retail spaces on the ground floor will invigorate the streetscape, encouraging economic activity and pedestrian interaction.
- Co-Living Model: The 306 co-living rooms address the growing demand for flexible and affordable housing options in urban centres.
- Heritage Sensitivity: The design carefully considers the surrounding heritage sites, ensuring no negative visual or physical impacts.
- Enhanced Streetscape: Landscaping and communal spaces contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for both residents and visitors.
Following recommendations from the Design Excellence Advisory Panel, the project underwent several refinements. These included improving the configuration of communal areas, adjusting the podium design, and enhancing the building’s overall compatibility with its heritage context.
Heritage and Conservation Compliance
Given its location within the Park Edge Highly Sensitive Area, the development adheres to the Conservation Agreement between local and federal governments. This agreement ensures that developments in the area maintain appropriate building heights, materials, and setbacks to preserve the cultural and historical significance of nearby heritage sites.
A Heritage Impact Statement confirms that the development will not adversely affect the values of the Old Government House or Parramatta Park.
Panel Determination and Approval
The Sydney Central City Planning Panel approved the application on 14 January 2025. The unanimous decision was based on:
- Full compliance with state and local planning instruments.
- Respect for environmental and heritage guidelines.
- Effective responses to community concerns and feedback.
The panel acknowledged the project’s alignment with Parramatta’s goals for sustainable growth and urban renewal while ensuring the protection of its historical significance.
Project Team
The development has been shaped by a team of experienced professionals:
- Developer: The Trustee for Coliv Macquarie Property Trust.
- Urban Planner and SEE Author: Sutherland Planning.
- Architectural Firm: Bayley Ward.
- Environmental Consultant: JK Environments.
- Heritage Advisor: Contributors to the Heritage Impact Statement.
- Quantity Surveyors: Altus Group.
- Sustainability Consultant: E-LAB.
For more information, search for application number DA/199/2024 on the City of Parramatta’s website.
