Project Overview

A world-class urban transformation project in Parramatta CBD, achieved completion in the 4th quarter of 2023, solidifying its identity as Sydney's second CBD.
The precinct accommodates 24,000 workers, offers premium dining options, and features pedestrian linkages in all directions. Its direct proximity to five (5) public transport modes, including heavy rail, light rail, buses, ferries, and the future metro, provides a new pedestrian-centric design philosophy that raises the bar for urban transformations everywhere.
The 6,000m2 ‘Public Domain’, framed by St John's Cathedral and Parramatta Town Hall, enhances the sense of place and community. Parramatta Square leaves an indelible mark on the urban environment with workers occupying approximately 230,000 m2 of floor area across three commercial towers, a commercial directory boasting 60 tenants, and 16 retail tenants, all enjoying the additional amenity of the Business and Events Centre and boutique health and fitness center.
Parramatta Square prioritizes sustainability, identity, community, activity, amenity, and connection, setting a new standard for mixed-use developments. Beyond its local impact, the project is now recognized as a model for cities aspiring to create vibrant, people-centric urban spaces.
Challenges such as breakthrough tunnels into a live railway station, archaeological finds, contamination management, flood modeling, wind effects, and others were met and overcome through a proactive and authentic engagement of stakeholders. In each instance, the ultimate solution evidences a shared vision of excellence between Walker, the City of Parramatta, and the many authorities with jurisdictions over the works.

Organisation

Walker Corporation

Project Brief

Responding to the growth of greater western Sydney, the brief for Parramatta Square was simple: a new improved CBD for Sydney. With 3 hectares of unparalleled public transport connectivity, the shared vision was to provide inspiring art and architecture, public spaces anchored the city around the new civic center and library, all at a level of quality and amenity that drew quality tenants from their traditional tenancies in the Sydney CBD, improving the quality of life for employees many of whom reside in Sydney’s west.
The design of Parramatta Square prioritizes functionality through easy pedestrian flow and the seamless integration of amenities. The below-ground connection to Parramatta Railway Station allows commuters to move from turnstiles to two of the commercial towers without raising an umbrella. Tenants can use the same below-ground connection to access Westfield Parramatta.
The brief for the Public Domain is, in a word, versatile. It is a place of reflection, with public art, heritage installations, and places of ceremony for our traditional custodians. It is an inclusive place, reflective of Parramatta’s unique diversity, from innovative navigation tools for persons with visual impairment to easy access throughout for persons of all abilities. It is a place of entertainment and activation, with performance areas supported by services run from underground node rooms. A single stratum services all buildings in Parramatta Square frames the St John Cathedral, and provides broad boundary access into the rejuvenated Town Hall and new Civic Centre and Library.

Project Innovation/Need

The Parramatta Square project exemplifies the power of vision, leadership, and collaboration between government bodies and private entities. It highlights the importance of blending public investment, government function relocation, and private sector encouragement, all contributing to Parramatta Square's vibrant economy and central business district. This initiative demonstrates that partnerships between developers and councils can lead to the successful regeneration of large projects, offering a unified design approach.
Innovative elements such as master planning, a competitive design process, development control plans, and a strong focus on public spaces have been pivotal in the project's success. The City Significant Development Team, created by the Council, underscores the significance of foresight and collaboration in public-private partnerships, ensuring that projects meet planning expectations and achieve excellence in design and functionality. This approach contrasts with piecemeal developments that often miss the chance to realise a comprehensive vision.
Parramatta Square is a testament to strategic planning, commitment to public engagement, and a long-term vision focused on design excellence and cooperative efforts, setting a benchmark for urban renewal projects.
The innovation achieved from this collaboration is a CBD that is genuinely pedestrian-centric and connective, capitalising on five forms of public transport. This is at one-third the cost of equivalent Sydney CDB commercial tenancies.

Design Challenge

Since 1997, Parramatta Council's been dedicated to evolving the area near Parramatta Station into a thriving second CBD. The precinct posed innumerable design challenges, each met overcome through a shared vision from all stakeholders. Some more challenging elements include:
Meticulous consideration of the dynamics local traffic, pedestrian safety, and access points, employing detailed simulations to gauge the development's impact. A key strategy managing traffic involved setting a cap on car spaces, the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) limiting parking to one space per 100sqm area.
Parramatta City Council implemented stringent governance and design standards through the LEP to safeguard public and private interests while ensuring architectural and design excellence. This included a competitive design process for significant developments, applying to all buildings within Parramatta Square; each a ‘Key Site’.
Positioned on the local Parramatta flood plain, all built forms had to mitigate any potential contribution to flooding in the area that would affect the surrounding community. Rainwater is captured and reused within the development. 200kL on-site diversion tank, complete with gross pollutant traps and filtration, slows the rate at which stormwater enters the local stormwater system.
Anchor tenant Property & Development NSW took tenancies in both 4 Parramatta Square and 6 Parramatta Square but conditioned the latter upon the creation of a ‘Sky Bridge’ joining their respective tenancies at Level 11 in each tower. The bridge was constructed with the base building of 6 Parramatta Square and retro-fitted into the façade of 4 Parramatta Square whilst internal places were occupied

Sustainability

Sustainability is a core principle in every aspect of Parramatta Square's design. The project places great emphasis on environmental excellence, from the utilization of renewable materials to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and stormwater management systems. Parramatta Square is underpinned by urban heat island mitigation and waste minimization, which reflect a commitment to sustainable development. This ensures that Parramatta Square improves its occupants' daily experience while reducing its environmental impact.
To generate a positive environmental and social impact and deliver long-term value to the community, a sustainability policy is in place at Parramatta Square. The policy is based on three pillars, underpinned by best practice governance and commitments:
1. Sustainable Economics and Resources: Focusing on sustainable outcomes and achieving a net positive benefit within the community.
2. Healthy Workplaces, People and Planet: Creating and maintaining nature-inspired, healthy and productive indoor environments.
3. Vibrant and Resilient Places: Creating excellent environments that benefit local communities and positively contribute to society.
The precinct blends seamlessly with the surrounding transportation infrastructure, including the Parramatta Transport Interchange, making it easily accessible for residents, workers, and visitors. Furthermore, it aligns with the global trend of creating more sustainable, people-oriented urban spaces.
The dedication to sustainability at Parramatta Square in both design and operation was recently validated by the achievement of first place in the NABERS Sustainable Portfolios Index 2024.