Parramatta CBD Planning Controls Testing

GMU was appointed to conduct a review of the Parramatta City Centre Planning Controls. The purpose of the study was to test the relationship between viability, heights, FSRs, distribution of FSR within the available massing, streetscape relationships and amalgamation across the B3 Commercial Core and B4 Mixed Use zones. There were 9 selected blocks, which were tested to determine whether the FSR and height within the current controls were delivering viable development with sufficient return to encourage turnover of the sites. Current requirements were considered for amalgamation of sites and the bonuses able to be achieved against whether this was sufficient to encourage amalgamation.

In addition, GMU also tested whether the controls would deliver a high quality urban design and architectural solution. GMU completed the study and as a result, Council had begun amending the city centre controls to encourage appropriate and well designed development.