Parramatta Road Set For Major Rezoning With 573 Jobs At Stake

The City of Sydney is considering rezoning 14 properties along Parramatta Road in Forest Lodge to allow more than 1,200 new homes and commercial developments, a move that could displace existing businesses employing 573 people.

The proposal, which comes as part of the Minns Labor Government’s long-time commitment to rezoning the area for essential housing, would allow for the construction of 462 apartments and 791 co-living rooms, with buildings reaching up to 26 storeys. It also includes an affordable housing contribution equivalent to approximately 80 to 86 dwellings.

Sitting opposite the University of Sydney, the site houses properties along Parramatta Road, Arundel Street and Ross Street, as well as major commercial premises such as Officeworks, Sydney City Toyota and the NSW Ambulance station.

“The City of Sydney is proposing a major renewal of the Parramatta Road precinct in Forest Lodge, that will enable hundreds of new homes, affordable housing and jobs in the area,” said a City of Sydney spokesperson.

“The plan aims to balance the delivery of more homes while protecting the identity of the local neighbourhood, and ensure that the community continues to have access to jobs, homes and infrastructure.”

Existing Businesses Could Be Displaced

A council commissioned assessment by Urbis estimates that businesses currently operating across the site support 573 direct jobs, in addition to the 207 jobs supported through supply chains.

The proposal would require developers to include at least 15,500sqm of floor space for businesses and non-residential use, which the City of Sydney estimates could support around 375 jobs.

But the assessment indicates that more shops, offices and service-based businesses expect to move into the area, making it difficult for some existing businesses to operate in the area due to redevelopment costs and potentially higher rents.

“The plan comes off the back of the City’s Housing for All discussion paper, which earmarked the Parramatta Road precinct as a potential location for more houses and jobs,” said the council spokesperson.

“The NSW Government identified the land as locally significant industrial land and directed the City to review these sites for mixed use development. The City continues to plan for significant employment growth in central Sydney and regionally significant industrial lands in Alexandria.”

Changes To Parramatta Road

The proposed changes would allow the site to accommodate a more diverse mix of housing and business premises, replacing the current planning rules that restrict development to commercial and employment uses.

To allow buildings of up to 26 storeys, building height limits could increase to 85 metres, from the current 12 to 15 metres.

The proposed heights would vary across the precinct, with buildings ranging from eight to 17 storeys in the western part of the site, increasing to between 23 and 26 storeys near the Parramatta Road and Ross Street intersection.

Parramatta Road would also have a wider footpath, creating more room for pedestrians, street trees and landscaping.

Heritage & Flood Concerns

Several properties would be removed from the Hereford and Forest Lodge Heritage Conservation Area for rezoning, but the 1912 Former Grace Brothers Repository would retain its individual heritage listing.

In the western part of the site, flooding is another consideration. The proposal would require developers to provide a public evacuation route that is safe during floods, while ensuring water can still flow through the area.

The proposal is scheduled for consideration by the Central Sydney Planning Committee on 12 November.

The recommendation is to seek a Gateway Determination from the NSW Government to exhibit the planning changes publicly.

The rezoning has not yet been approved.