A major rezoning proposal is under review by the NSW State planning authority, with developer JQZ pushing for increased building heights and floor space to accommodate more housing in the heart of Parramatta. The plan would see taller towers, fewer commercial requirements and site-specific exemptions – all aimed at delivering more residential supply.
The proposal includes two key sites along Church Street:
Additionally, the plan seeks to reduce the mandatory non-residential floor space requirement from 40% to 25% of the total gross floor area, reflecting the marketplace’s shift from office space in favour of residential development.
Other site-specific exemptions are being sought, including permitting residential basement parking in the commercial zone and bypassing the competitive design process for future modifications.
The proposed changes to the site’s land use planning controls are essential. Since the original rezoning on the site was gazetted in September 2014, the entire site benefits from an original concept approval for 753 apartments and circa 39,000 sqm of retail and commercial floorspace.
Over the years, the commercial market and demand for office space has fundamentally changed. The demand for housing in Parramatta has improved substantially, with forecasts indicating by 2029 Parramatta will have a shortfall of 6,374 dwellings compared to the target of 19,500 set by the NSW government.
JQZ picked up the site for circa $110 million in 2023.
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