Friday 9 May 2014

UWS seeks CBD presence

The development of a 20,000-square-metre, multi-storey in the Parramatta CBD is a part of the University of Western Sydney ’s regional development strategy.

The UWS Board of Trustees in giving an in-principle agreement expected the facility to be ready for teaching in 2017.

UWS vice-chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said it would it contribute to the university’s plans to significantly increase its international student population, expand its course offerings at Parramatta, and provide more flexible learning opportunities for students. 

“With our existing Parramatta campus almost at capacity, we plan to significantly expand our presence in the CBD where we can be co-located with business and industry, and increase our connection to the social, economic and civic life of Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney,” he said.

Several development sites within the Parramatta and a final decision was expected on the exact location by June 2014, he said.


Earlier this year, UWS opened a campus, over four levels, in an office building in the Parramatta CBD for its post-graduate students. 

$800 million residential project

The Heartland Group has chosen the architects for its $800 million project which includes three residential towers between 30-40 storeys, in the Parramatta CBD.
Allen Jack+Cottier (AJ+C), Turner and Associates, and Oculus are the winning designers for three sites following a design competition by the group.
AJ+C won the role of co-ordinating architect of the entire $800 million project, as well as the architect for the largerof the three sites on the corner of Church Street and the Great Western Highway.
Turner and Associates have been chosen as the architect for the second building, and Occulus, as the landscape architect for the park, on the third site, together with the extensive public domain components.
Architecture & Design online magazine said the $800 million project includes three residential towers between 30-40 storeys with retail/commercial uses on the lower levels, two 10-storey commercial buildings, approximately 3000 square metres of public open space, a 2000-square-metre public park, basement supermarket and parking for approximately 1200 cars.  
The planned pedestrian plaza will run through the centre of the three sites and will link the project's new social spaces and opportunities for cafes and outdoor dining
“This is the first cab off the rank for the planned revitalisation of the ‘Auto Alley’ end of Parramatta’s Church St,” said Michael Heenan, Principal and CEO of Allen Jack+Cottier.

“It will set a new civic benchmark and form the southern gateway to Parramatta CBD.”

Chinese investors in the market

The first stage of 124 apartments in the $550 million Promenade project, on the Parramatta River, east of the Parramatta CBD. sold out in two days to mainly Chinese investors.
Construction of the first stage is expected to commence in June, and Starryland, the Australia subsidiary of the Chinese developer, Fuxing Hulyu expects construction to commence in June.
Promenade, designed by architect William Smart, will comprise 774 high-end apartments in 11 towers, ranging from two to 12 storeys,
Promenade will also allocate 1.2-hectares to landscaped foreshore open space, a pedestrian bridge across the river, and an extensive walking and cycling network.

“We selected Parramatta because it is already a cosmopolitan centre with the potential to become even better. It has all the facilities of a modern city and is well served by public transport and motorways,”” said Mr Hao Liu, the director, of Starryland Australia.

Promoter of public image wanted

The establishment and maintenance of an outstanding public image that is able to developing ongoing liaison with key opinion leaders will be a key success factor for Parramatta City Council’s director, marketing & identity.
This position is one of three newly created positions in a restructuring of council’s organisation; the others being chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
“T he marketing director will be responsible for the development, implementation of marketing and major event strategies that are designed to promote and sustain council’s brand and identity to ensure council’s success,” council said.

“This will include council’s reputation as a city that can attract investment and commercial activity, and as a place with cultural interest as an integral element of the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy.”