As one of the largest urban renewal initiatives in Australia, the project comprises the development of sites 6 and 8 Parramatta Square. The vision is to create a vibrant mixed use precinct that will transform Parramatta into Sydney’s second CBD.
WSP has been engaged by Walker Corporation to deliver structural, security, communications, acoustics, fire engineering, specialist lighting, sustainability, façade, integrated traffic planning and building services on the tower.
Wayne Bretherton, WSP’s Director of Property & Buildings in ANZ says, “Increasing urbanisation and rapid population growth in Western Sydney means we need to design for the future. The Parramatta Square tower is an iconic design that will create a buzzing precinct to help Western Sydney’s community flourish.”
6 and 8 Parramatta Square will become the largest commercial tower in Australia reaching 55 storeys high. As the centrepiece of Parramatta Square, the tower will encompass 51 levels and 121,000 m2 of commercial space, 2,000 m2 of retail and four levels of basement car parking.
8 Parramatta Square was previously earmarked as a residential tower, however Walker Corporation recently changed the use to a commercial tower, indicating the high demand for A Grade commercial space in the Parramatta region.
At a council meeting held on 21 November 2017, councillors voted to approve the change of use. Lord Mayor, Andrew Wilson commented that this [change of use] would increase Parramatta’s capacity as an employment hub.
The additional tower on sites 6 and 8 will provide a total of 230,000 m2 of A Grade commercial space to the precinct, and on completion, house up to 23,500 employees. This announcement marks a crucial step in Parramatta becoming Sydney’s second CBD, with 6 and 8 Parramatta Square being symbolic of the commitment to drive job opportunities in the region.
Under the guidance of the Green Building Council of Australia, the entire development will be built to meet the highest Green Star and NABERS Energy ratings of any commercial space in Australia in accordance with standards for environmentally sustainable development.
Mr Bretherton concludes, “Our involvement with the recent completion of the vertical campus at 1 Parramatta Square, where the flagship campus for Western Sydney University is located, demonstrates WSP’s ongoing contribution to transforming the Parramatta landscape.
We are excited to be working with Walker Corporation and other stakeholders to deliver another project that will help grow Sydney’s west. We are committed to designing a place where the Parramatta community can thrive amidst a new era of vibrancy.”
The construction of 6 and 8 Parramatta Square will commence early next year with completion scheduled for 2020 - 2021.