The Parramatta North Precinct draft rezoning proposal, prepared by Property and Development NSW, is now on public exhibition until 10 February 2025. The plan seeks to transform the historically significant 32-hectare site into a mixed-use precinct with new housing, job opportunities, education facilities, and public open spaces. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback during the exhibition period.
The project aligns with the Westmead Place Strategy and supports the Central City District Plan, which aims to position Westmead and Parramatta as key hubs for health, innovation, and urban growth.
Proposal Details
The rezoning initiative outlines several major changes to planning controls to enable new development. Key features of the proposal include:
- Housing: Approximately 2,000 new homes, including 5–10% affordable housing.
- Employment: Creation of 12,000 new jobs by 2047, primarily in health, education, and innovation sectors.
- Public Spaces: Allocation of 10.5 hectares of public open space, including parks, plazas, sports fields, and play areas.
- Education: Development of a university campus to accommodate 25,000 students, in partnership with a globally ranked top-100 institution.
The site includes land previously used for the Cumberland Hospital and other heritage-listed areas. The Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will pass through the precinct, connecting it to Westmead, Parramatta CBD, and surrounding areas.
Structure Plan by Stewart Architecture
Zoning Changes
The proposal includes several zoning updates to facilitate the precinct’s transformation:
- Rezoning much of the site to MU1 Mixed Use, supporting housing, education, and commercial uses.
- Expanding RE1 Public Recreation areas along the Parramatta River and Darling Mills Creek.
- Introducing SP2 Infrastructure (Railways) zoning for the Parramatta Light Rail corridor.
The new zoning aims to balance urban development with heritage conservation and public open spaces.
Heritage Conservation
The Parramatta North Precinct is rich in cultural and historical significance. The area is home to the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct, which has been listed on the National Heritage Register and is being considered for World Heritage nomination. Other heritage-listed sites include the Cumberland District Hospital, Wistaria Gardens, and Parramatta Gaol.
The proposal does not seek to modify these heritage listings. Instead, it prioritises the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and integrates conservation measures guided by the Parramatta North Historic Sites Conservation Management Plan.
Transport and Connectivity
Transport infrastructure is a key focus of the rezoning proposal. The precinct will be served by the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, with connections to the future Sydney Metro lines at Westmead and Parramatta CBD. Key transport-related features include:
- Improved pedestrian and cycling pathways to support active transport.
- Limited on-street parking to reduce traffic congestion and encourage public transport use.
- Shared low-speed zones to prioritise pedestrian safety within the precinct.
These measures align with the Future Transport Strategy 2056, which aims to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Public Open Spaces
A significant portion of the precinct—10.5 hectares—will be dedicated to public open spaces, including:
- 1.8 hectares for sports fields.
- 5.8 hectares for parks and gardens.
- 1.9 hectares for plazas and squares.
The design integrates these spaces with the broader Green Grid, a regional network of connected green spaces and trails. This ensures residents and visitors have access to recreation, relaxation, and active travel options.
Project Team
The project has been developed by Property and Development NSW, with support from a range of consultants and experts. The project team includes:
- Connecting with Country: Bangawarra
- Landscape and Public Domain: ASPECT Studios
- Arts and Culture: City People
- Architect: Stewart Architecture
- Strategic Planning: Urbis
- European Heritage: Megan Jones Architect
- Engineering and Sustainability: Arcadis
- Traffic and Transport: Stantec
- Archaeology: AMBS
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage: Comber Consultants
- Ecology: Abel Ecology
- Contamination: JBS&G
- Sustainability Strategy: Flux
What’s next?
The Parramatta North Precinct draft rezoning proposal is now open for community consultation. Residents, stakeholders, and the general public are invited to review the proposal and provide feedback before 10 February 2025.
For more information or to access the proposal documents, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website or search the application number on the Parramatta City Council website.
