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Sydney's west is growing a lot – with a whole new CBD being built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport, Sydney Olympic Park expected to grow by 450 per cent by 2050, and major new developments in the works for the hubs along the expanding Sydney Metro network. Now, we’ve got updates – with the NSW Government officially finalising plans to transform 33 hectares of Parramatta North into a sprawling mixed-use precinct featuring around 2,000 new homes and ten hectares of public open space. Backed by a $124.5 million investment, the mega redevelopment will reshape underused government land between the Parramatta CBD and Westmead into a new community of homes, workplaces and parks – here’s what we know so far.
First up: homes. Of the approximately 2,000 homes planned for the precinct, at least 100 will be affordable housing – and super well-connected. The precinct sits directly on the new Parramatta Light Rail, offering speedy access to Parramatta CBD, the Westmead Health and Innovation District and the wider Sydney Metro network. But it’s not just housing. Plans also include a potential new university campus (supporting Westmead's health and research sector), new community facilities, upgraded sporting amenities, shops/ commercial spaces and room for as many as 12,000 new jobs across healthcare, education, research and related industries.
There’s good news on the nature front too. Based on the plans, up to ten hectares of public open space will be created, including new parks, sports fields, plazas, playgrounds and new riverside walking paths along the Parramatta River. According to the NSW Government, the landscape has been designed with a “Country-centred” approach – incorporating restored native vegetation, water-sensitive urban design and natural play spaces.
Following a period of community consultation, the redevelopment has been scaled back around the nationally significant Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct – a heritage site that deserves protection. According to the NSW Government, buildings with high or exceptional heritage significance will be retained, and development immediately surrounding the heritage site has been reduced in both height and density to preserve important sightlines and the area's historical character. The six-hectare Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct will remain in government ownership and is not included in the rezoning.
Construction and land releases are expected to happen in stages over the next four years, progressively unlocking new housing, jobs and public spaces while maintaining the site's significant Aboriginal and colonial heritage.
You can find out more about the Parramatta North rezoning via the NSW Planning Portal over here.
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