The rezoning follows an announcement by NSW Premier Chris Minns earlier this year outlining plans to revitalise the precinct and help address the state’s long-term housing supply crisis.
New planning controls will provide more housing near the soon-to-be-opened Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, while also supporting growth of the Parramatta CBD and facilitating the renewal of Church Street as a vibrant public place.
The changes will allow for increased building heights of up to 30 storeys along Church Street to accommodate more homes – two-thirds the size of current height limits in the Parramatta CBD.
Strengthened protections will also be in place for open space at Prince Alfred Square and the Parramatta River foreshore.
The rezoning builds on work already completed under the City of Parramatta Council's Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, which maps out the precinct's future vision to meet the growing needs of Parramatta's changing population.
The changes to the State Environmental Planning Policy Amendment (Church Street North Precinct) will apply from 1 July 2024.
This will give the City of Parramatta Council time to make sure the right Development Control Plan (DCP) and local infrastructure framework are in place.
All future development proposals for the precinct will go through the usual development application process before any development works can begin.
For more information, visit the NSW Planning website.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"This state-led rezoning will help transform an ageing area in need of renewal while providing more housing right on the doorstep of Sydney's second largest CBD.
"The Minns Government is continuing to tackle the housing crisis in NSW and this rezoning will provide hundreds of well-located homes close to public transport, schools, jobs, parks and shops.
“This rezoning strikes the right balance between more homes located where people want to live and easy access to green open space and jobs.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
“The rezoning of Church Street North will provide housing for the next generation next to light rail and right in the heart of Parramatta.
“Our government has introduced reforms to improve housing quality ensuring that Church Street North will deliver great places to live.
“I look forward to seeing the creative way new, quality developments along Church Street North can complement the neighbouring heritage conservation areas that showcase Parramatta’s links to the past.”
