Engineering Parramatta Square, Western Sydney

A mixed-use precinct transforming Parramatta into Sydney’s second central business district.

Location

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Client

Walker Corporation

Project Status

completion 2019-2021

Architect

Johnson Pilton Walker

The redevelopment of Paramatta Square is part of the New South Wales Government’s AU$10 billion infrastructure investment aimed at revitalising Western Sydney. The vision is to create a vibrant, cosmopolitan, commercial and residential precinct that caters for rapid population growth and the increasing urbanisation of the Western Sydney region.

Creating a World-Class Destination

At the heart of this large urban renewal initiative, are sites 6 and 8 Parramatta Square. As the centrepiece of the redevelopment, 8 Parramatta Square will include Australia’s largest commercial tower at 55 storeys and 243 metres high.

While 8 Parramatta Square was previously earmarked as a residential tower, the Walker Corporation changed its use to commercial. This demonstrates the high demand for A-Grade commercial space in the region and the Parramatta City Council’s commitment to increasing the city’s capacity as an employment hub.

As part of conditions for the change of use, the lower floors of the tower must be linked to the adjacent commercial 31-storey building (6 Parramatta Square).

The two new buildings will add to the 120,000 square metres of commercial space due for completion at Parramatta Square in 2019 -2021. This will bring the total development up to 250,000 square metres of commercial space, which will house up to 23,500 employees.

Total area

130,000 m² 130,000 m²

Height

243 m 243 m

Storeys

55 55

Incorporating Cutting-Edge Environmentally Sustainable Design

Under the guidance of the Green Building Council of Australia, the entire development will be built to meet the highest Green Star and National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Energy ratings of any commercial space in Australia.

Walker Corporation engaged WSP to deliver structural, security, communications, acoustics, fire engineering, specialist lighting, sustainability, façade, integrated traffic planning and building services on the dual towers.

Design of the scheme is innovative, most notably from a sustainability perspective. Our services will deliver a future-focused response to urbanisation and population growth and one that will ensure best practice in placemaking and sustainability.

The construction is due to commence in 2018. We are on track to assist our client meet the highest Green Star and National Australian Built Environment Rating System Energy scores for any commercial space in the country.