With support from Parramatta Council, the state-led rezoning of Parramatta's Church Street North precinct will form part of efforts to address NSW’s long-term housing supply crisis.
This area north of the Parramatta River straddles the light rail line, which is due to open next year.
This is a well-located area close to the Parramatta CBD, public transport, schools, jobs, public parks, and local services.
These new homes will be serviced by the new Fennell Street and Prince Alfred Square light rail stations, making the most of the investment our state’s taxpayers have made into this public transport infrastructure.
The rezoning will support hundreds of jobs during construction, and new residents will mean more jobs for Parramatta over the long-term.
This is the kind of infill development the NSW Productivity Commission found is more cost-effective than greenfield housing, reducing costs for homebuyers and taxpayers.
Nearby green space includes Belmore Park (including Richie Benaud Oval), Prince Alfred Square and River Foreshore Reserve (which runs along the north bank of the Parramatta River).
Public schools close by include Parramatta North Public School, Bayanami Public School, Macarthur Girls High School and Arthur Phillip High School.
This rezoning is one of many measures the Minns Government is taking to change the trajectory of the housing supply crisis.
This builds on the extensive work already completed by City of Parramatta Council through its Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal.
The Department of Planning and Environment will consider important community and stakeholder feedback received through the City of Parramatta process before the rezoning is finalised over the coming months.
All future development proposals for the site will go through the usual development application process before any development works can begin.
For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“The housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing NSW and our nation.
“The construction of homes in Sydney has not kept up with population growth, and that is squeezing buyers, renters and owners.
“More and more you will see the Government link the construction of transport infrastructure with the construction of more homes.
“We need to take full advantage of the investments our state’s taxpayers make into new public transport infrastructure.
"Suburbs like Parramatta already have the infrastructure and amenities to support more homes.
“That's why we're putting our focus into Church Street North to secure more housing.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Today’s State led rezoning is a response to an acute housing crisis that is focused on delivery of more homes for the next generation.
“This precinct is an extremely well-positioned area and is well-equipped to accommodate more families and individuals who want to live closer to work, transport, schools, and the Parramatta CBD.
"We're focused on increasing housing and affordability in great locations. This announcement ensures there will soon be hundreds of new homes available right on the doorstep of the Parramatta CBD.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
"North Parramatta and Church Street North has a storied history. This area was a gathering place for Burramattagal clan, while its buildings date back to the earliest days of Sydney's first settlement.
"This state-led rezoning is the next chapter in the precinct's evolution which will provide the planning framework for generations to come.
"I'm delighted to see that our heritage and amenity will be addressed in plans for our future while respecting our past."
The Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta Cr Pierre Esber said:
“We applaud the NSW Government for listening to our calls for faster action on the delivery of the Parramatta North Precinct.
“This precinct offers potential to unlock much-needed housing in the heart of our City adjacent to a light rail stop and be a leading example of urban renewal.”
