Parramatta. 26-storey tower approved

The Department of Planning has approved an application by Crown International Holdings for the redevelopment of a site bounded by Macquarie, Marsden and Hunter streets, for its 26-storey mixed use project. Macquarie Place, consisting of 367 residential units, commercial and retail floor space, six levels of basement car parking. The proposal has a capital investment value of $150 million.

North Ryde. Fellowships for academics

The Australian Research Council (ARC) has granted nine Future Fellowships and eight early career research awards to Macquarie University academics. The number of Future Fellowships was well above the national average success rate, with a total of $6.29 million being granted to the following researchers

Penrith. 1000 new homes

Up to 1000 new homes, more than seven hectares of open space and 2500 jobs will be created at the former North Penrith army site under newly government approved plans worth $420 million. “The 40 hectare site adjoins the existing Penrith city centre and will play a crucial role in meeting Western Sydney’s housing needs and providing new jobs close to public transport,” the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard said.

Parramatta. Top employment categories

The number of workers employed in the Parramatta local government area, at June 2011, stood at 87,946, the highest outside the Sydney CBD. The top three categories were health care & social assistance, 14,902 or 16.9 per cent; public administration & safety, 10,240 or 11.6 per cent; and manufacturing, 10,044 or 11.4 per cent. The combined total of the financial & insurance services and professional, scientific & technical services, was 13,321 employees, or 15.1 per cent. The Parramatta Economic Development Strategy notes that 23 per cent of Parramatta’s resident managers, professional and para-professionals work locally.

Newington. Success of Smart Home

Sydney Water celebrated National Recycling Week by highlighting the success of Sydney’s Smart Home through the use of recycled water. Recycled water is a key feature of Sydney’s high-tech ‘Smart Home’, at Newington, which has been put to the test by a family of three over the last year. The Smart Home, created by Ausgrid and Sydney Water, showcases and tests the latest sustainable energy and water solutions to help communities face the challenges of the 21st century.

Penrith. MOU signed

The chairman of the Penrith Business Alliance, Paul Brennan, and the president, of the Gangseo District, in Seoul, South Korea, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the PBA and the Gangseo gu Chapter of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Paul Brennan said that this is one of the key outcomes of the visit by the business delegation to Korea and China last year.