Allen Jack+Cottier has won the role of the main architect as well as the co-ordinating architect for the largest of three sites in a major design excellence competition. Organised by the Heartland Group, the project will encompass an approximately $800 million mixed use development on three prime sites in Parramatta, NSW.

AJ+C will design the largest of the three sites, located on Church Street at the edge of Parramatta’s central business district, west of Sydney.

Turner has been chosen as the architect to design the second site, while Oculus will design the park on the third site, together with the extensive public domain components.

The Parramatta South Gateway Precinct design project includes: three residential towers between 30-40 storeys with retail/commercial uses on the lower levels; two 10 storey commercial buildings fronting Church Street; approximately 3000 square metre of public open space; a 2000 square metre public park; basement supermarket; and parking for approximately 1200 cars.

“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.”

AJ+C’s part of the project involves widening of Church Street, with new bus and cycle lanes flanked by trees – turning the busy street into a boulevard. There will also be a pedestrian plaza running through the middle of the three sites, which will provide new social spaces and opportunities for cafes and outdoor dining.

AJ+C’s residential tower design features a subtly rippling glass facade, a reference to ‘the meeting of the waters’ – the point where fresh river water meets salt harbour water at Parramatta. The plaza, park and public domain are aimed at introducing natural elements into the urban environment.