Parramatta Blog

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PARRAMATTA AREA - JUNE 2025

Parramatta Metro (Sydney Metro West)
A new rapid transit line currently under construction will connect Parramatta to Sydney CBD in about 20 minutes, significantly cutting travel time compared to current trains. The fully automated metro line will have stations at key locations, including Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, and The Bays Precinct, before reaching Hunter Street in the CBD. It will ease congestion, support population growth, and improve connectivity across Western Sydney.
Phase 3 construction, which involves the lining, utility installation, and fit-out of the two underground service tunnels and junction caverns, is continuing and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Machinery and equipment will enter the temporary access shaft at Clyde, with tunnelling activities being carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the following hours:
• Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm
• Saturday: 8am to 6pm
The work will involve:
• Archaeological investigations and backfilling of areas once complete
• Removing concrete sections in stages with saw cutters and jackhammers
• Installing steel structures within the site near Church Street
• Delivering and removing machinery, equipment, and materials via George Street
• Constructing and excavating the station box, including rock hammering, concreting, steel bracing installation, and support work
• Ongoing surveying, geotechnical investigations, and utility upgrades within and around the site
• Aerial drone filming on-site in compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidelines
• Internal cleaning of a heritage building on George Street with small plant and equipment
• Upgrading and re-lining sewers within Macquarie Lane and United Lane
• Installing electrical equipment and the reticulation of electrical cables
These efforts are key to the project's progress, ensuring that the new metro line will be a critical part of Sydney's transportation future.

North-East Investigation Planning Area
The planning proposal encompasses 25 sites to the east of the Church St North rezoning area and aims to provide uplifts in floor space ratios and maximum building heights to increase housing supply. Council estimates that these uplifts will help bring approximately 550 new homes to the area. The Planning Proposal was endorsed via a Gateway Determination in September 2024, and the Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure has issued a deadline for the proposal to be implemented into the LEP 2023 as an amendment by 2nd May 2025.
In the next steps, council officers will work to finalise the NEPIA Planning Proposal and the associated Development Control Plan (DCP). The DCP will come into effect following the finalisation of the changes to the Parramatta LEP 2023. It is anticipated that these changes will occur on or by 18 July 2025, as per the altered Gateway Determination issued by the State Government on 1 May 2025.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works has commenced early works, including site establishment and investigation activities, at Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, setting the stage for major construction to begin later this year.
In April, the boating community will see some changes to Ermington Boat Ramp and car park to enable construction activities.
The Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works project will deliver a new public and active transport bridge, providing a much-needed link between the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. The bridge will feature an innovative, long-span cast in situ balanced cantilever design. This design has been carefully selected to include just two piers in the river, greatly reducing the environmental footprint and ensuring minimal disruption to waterway users.

Church Street North Precinct REZONING
From 1st July 2024 allowing for an increase in possible housing whilst being in line with the priorities of the NSW Government and investment in the Parramatta Light Rail. Further progressing the North Parramatta area: Read more. The proposal was brought to public feedback mid last year and seeks to implement new planning controls to deliver:
- approximately 12,000 new jobs by 2047
- about 2,000 new homes, including 5-10% affordable housing
- 10.5ha of public open space including sports fields, parks and gardens, plaza's and squares and play spaces

The Intercontinental 5-Star Hotel
Under construction on Macquarie St, this high-profile 49,000 sqm project is set to be a major development in the heart of Parramatta, surrounded by Church, Macquarie, and Marsden streets. Originally expected to be completed in 2025, the completion date has now been revised to June 2029.
The project is a two-tower mixed-use development that includes:
•A 2-storey retail podium
•A 25-storey commercial office tower
• A 32-storey hotel accommodation tower
• 4 basement levels for car parking and a hotel ballroom
The Development Application (DA) is still awaiting a council decision. The project will be determined by the Sydney Central City Planning Panel. Final concurrence with Sydney Metro is still pending before approval can be granted.

Expansion of the 'Build to Rent' 350 unit tower
Construction of the 350-unit Build-to-Rent tower at 2 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta is advancing through the early stages, with site preparation and initial groundwork now complete. Excavation and piling activities are progressing as planned, laying the foundation for the tower's vertical rise. The development remains on schedule, with completion targeted for late 2029. This long-term project reflects strong investor confidence in Parramatta's growth as a key residential and commercial precinct, and continues to benefit from close coordination with council and planning authorities to ensure delivery of high-quality rental housing.

8 Phillip St
Construction at 8 Phillip Street, Parramatta is progressing steadily on what is set to become a landmark mixed-use development. The project comprises 314 residential apartments, a public piazza, and a QT Hotel with 250 rooms, blending luxury living, hospitality, and vibrant public space in the heart of Parramatta. Structural works are nearing completion, with façade installation and internal fit-outs for the residential and hotel components now well underway. They are still targeting late 2025 as a completed date.

Progress on the Western Sydney Aerotropolis
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis continues to progress steadily, positioning itself as a key economic driver for the region. It is situated 36km* from Parramatta CBD. Major infrastructure works are advancing, including the ongoing development of the new Bradfield City Centre and supporting transport links such as the M12 Motorway and Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, both critical to connecting the precinct to Greater Sydney. The Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport remains on track for its 2026 opening, spurring increased interest from global investors, advanced manufacturing, and logistics sectors.

85-91 Thomas Street Apartments: New Residential Development Along Parramatta River
The 85-91 Thomas Street Apartments development is a modern residential project set for completion by April 4, 2029. Located along the Parramatta River, the project will consist of two multi-storey buildings offering a total of 56 units, including 23 dual key, 9 x 1-bedroom, 8 x 2-bedroom, and 16 x 3-bedroom apartments.
Spanning a 6,322 m² site with a 5,451 m² floor area, the development includes 1,078 m² of communal open space, offering residents ample outdoor areas. The buildings will feature lift and stair access, with a basement parking facility for 80 vehicles, including 6 accessible spaces and 61 bicycle spaces.
The project also includes 673 m² of deep soil for sustainability and will be landscaped to enhance the area. Demolition of existing structures and the removal of 11 trees are part of the development.
With a focus on modern living and community spaces, the 85-91 Thomas Street Apartments will provide convenient and sustainable housing options along the scenic Parramatta River.
- Project Update: 87–91 George Street, Parramatta
Construction has commenced at 87–91 George Street, Parramatta, where a 58-storey commercial tower is set to rise on a 2,850 m² site. Approved in February 2024 under DA/662/2022, the project will deliver 84,829 m² of commercial floor space and include 51 parking spaces.
Privately owned and located in the heart of the Parramatta CBD, this development is scheduled for completion by 3 January 2028. While the builder is yet to be confirmed, progress is well underway.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project advances.

Parramatta Leagues Club Hotel
Project Update: Parramatta Leagues Club Hotel
A new 17-storey hotel is planned for development at 17–19 O'Connell Street & 1 Eels Place, Parramatta, on the site of the existing Parramatta Leagues Club car park. The proposal includes 209 rooms and a total GFA of 13,364 m², featuring extensive wellness and recreational facilities across the lower levels.
Key amenities include a 25m pool with children's area, licensed café, fitness and wellness zones, a 500-person function room, rooftop bar, and multiple terraces. The hotel will connect to the existing Club via a bridge on Level 3 and include basement plant, storage, and staff areas.
This State Significant Development is currently under assessment, with further information requested by planning authorities. Completion is targeted for 25 February 2028.
We'll continue to provide updates as the project progresses through the planning and approval stages.