$600m development planned for Parramatta’s Auto Alley
A development application has been lodged for a $600 million commercial and residential complex in Parramatta’s Auto Alley area, which is set to become a new office precinct for up to 26,000 workers in the coming years.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd said Boyded Industries Pty Ltd is proposing 779 residential units and 40,000 square metres of commercial space, new public domain works and a new park for community use.
“If approved, it will spearhead our vision to create a new commercial precinct in this prime location on the southern edge of the Parramatta CBD,” Cr Lloyd said.
“We are currently seeking community feedback on The Draft Auto Alley Planning Framework which proposes new planning controls to revitalise this 14.8 hectare site at Church St and Great Western Highway.”
Cr Lloyd said the proposed new development, known as ‘Gateway South’, is at 57, 63 and 83 Church St and 44 Early St on four sites. The land is now vacant but was formerly the Heartland Holden business.
According to the council, the proposal includes the following:
- Site 1: A 10-storey commercial tower to Church Street, including a ground floor car showroom and two residential towers of 23 and 42 storeys to the rear;
- Site 2: A 10-storey commercial tower to Church Street, including a ground floor car showroom and a 31-storey mixed commercial and residential tower building to the rear; and
- Site 3: A park with kiosk, watercourse, seating area, playground and half basketball court.
The proposed total residential floor space is 58,600 square metres, with 40,000 square metres of commercial space. This represents a 60 per cent residential and 40 per cent commercial split across the sites.
The project, which is estimated to cost $596 million, will be considered for approval by the Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel.
Cr Lloyd said Auto Alley has great potential to be transformed into a modern commercial precinct.
“Currently the site is dominated by car dealerships and warehouse buildings, a lack of street trees and heavy traffic. All these factors make it unappealing to pedestrians and visitors and give no sense of arrival to the CBD,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our vision is to create a modern and functional new precinct based on world-class design and innovative public domain features. This is about taking advantage of Parramatta’s strategic location at the geographic and demographic heart of Sydney.
“Under the Draft Planning Framework, up to 26,000 people could be working in the Auto Alley precinct with a further 2,600 people living there.
“It is close to the Parramatta CBD and Parramatta and Harris Park rail stations. It also features large sites in single ownership and low scale buildings, which can make redevelopment easier to manage.”
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 04 November, 2014