Brief
Parramatta build‑to‑rent project scales back to 320 apartments amid heritage protests
The $156 million project near Parramatta CBD has been downsized, with fewer apartments, lower towers and fewer car spaces, after community and heritage groups raised concerns.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Developers of a $156 million build‑to‑rent scheme near Parramatta CBD have reduced the project from 483 to 320 apartments, cut building heights and parking, and added affordable units after a wave of heritage‑related complaints. The changes were announced on 28 September 2026, following more than 100 negative submissions and a petition that gathered over 4,600 signatures.
Scale and design revisions
The original plan, lodged in 2022, would have demolished a disused pharmaceutical factory on Gregory Place in Harris Park to create 483 apartments. The revised proposal now includes seven buildings ranging from two to eight storeys, with taller towers positioned further from heritage sites. Parking has been cut from 634 to 367 spaces.
Heritage concerns
Heritage groups and the City of Parramatta Council warned that the development would dwarf the National Trust‑listed Elizabeth Farm, Hambledon Cottage and Experiment Farm, and would impact the neighbouring Our Lady of Lebanon Co‑Cathedral. The National Trust described the three houses as “three of the most significant historic houses in Australia.”
Affordable housing pledge
Half of the 320 apartments will be offered at 80 % of market rent for at least 15 years, while the other half will be long‑term rentals under a build‑to‑rent model. Urban planners argue the project will address Parramatta’s acute housing and rental crisis, citing its proximity to three train stations and a light‑rail stop.
Next steps
The proposal has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission, which will hold a public meeting in October before advising the Planning Minister. The commission’s role is to decide on the most complex and contentious developments in the state.
Key facts
- Project reduced from 483 to 320 apartments (smh.com.au)
- Parking cut from 634 to 367 spots (smh.com.au)
- Half of apartments will be affordable at 80% rent for 15 years (smh.com.au)
- Seven buildings will be between two and eight storeys (smh.com.au)
- Project referred to NSW Independent Planning Commission for approval (smh.com.au)
Background
The development sits on a former pharmaceutical factory site in Harris Park, adjacent to heritage‑listed houses and a cathedral. The National Trust and local residents opposed the original scale, citing heritage preservation and traffic concerns.
Why it matters
The revised plan reflects a compromise between housing demand and heritage protection in a rapidly growing urban area.
What happens next
The NSW Independent Planning Commission will hold a public meeting in October to decide on the application.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Parramatta development: Developers scale back $156 million build-to-rent project following heritage backlash”
