A design competition in Parramatta, Sydney has selected Architectus’ design for a new commercial building for its revitalised Square precinct.

Mayor of Parramatta Lorraine Wearne announced the winners of the Parramatta Square Design Excellence Competitions, with Architectus and Grimshaw, to now be engaged by Council to produce a Development Application (DA), for the construction of Parramatta Square’s first two innovative buildings.

Located on a site at the corner of Smith and Macquarie Streets, the proposal comprises a 13-storey A-Grade office building designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star.

Rating and features a dramatic naturally ventilated atrium, large flexible floor plates and integrated public domain.

The winning proposal demonstrates design excellence through the integrated approach of urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, services and structure. The relationship of the new building to the surrounding context, both existing and future, was a critical element of the winning proposal.

Architectus Sydney managing director, Ray Brown said; “We are very excited to be working with Parramatta City Council to realise their vision for Parramatta Square. The project will set a new benchmark for commercial office space in western Sydney.”

Parramatta’s mayor said the proposal for the corner of Smith and Macquarie Street includes 27,000sqm of commercial office space and is expected to set new environmental and quality standards in Parramatta.

“The design incorporates a dramatic atrium space, ensuring premium quality office environment with large well lit flexible floor plates and clever integration of the public domain,” Wearne said.

Architectus and their directors have received more than 100 Australian and international awards. The company is renowned for its design excellence in commercial and public architecture.

Wearne described Grimshaw’s winning design for the development of a mixed use tower on the corner of Smith and Darcy Streets, as “a vertical village.”

“It’s iconic twisting form blends structural efficiency with contemporary urban living and at 65 storeys or over 700 feet, it will be among the tallest residential buildings, not just in Parramatta, but in NSW,” Wearne said.

The environmentally sustainable design incorporates landscaped sky gardens every six floors, shared by smaller communities.

Grimshaw is an award-winning international architectural practice based in London, Sydney and Melbourne. The group is known for its elegant designs that incorporate technology and environmental best practice.

Grimshaw and Architectus will work with Council to submit a DA within the next few months. Upon approval, Council will then seek development and finance partners from Australia and around the world to deliver these exciting projects.

Wearne added that Parramatta Square builds on the previous Civic Place vision and will create a vibrant, central Western Sydney hub.

“From Main Market Square in Kraków, to Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, throughout the world many of the most traditional and recognisable names for major public spaces link simply and directly to their very location,” Wearne said.

“The decision to rename Civic Place as Parramatta Square is the right one, as it emphasises the important role of Parramatta in providing for the business, cultural, entertainment and tourism needs for the fastest growing region in the country.”

Parramatta Square will provide generous public space, such as a piazza, along with corporate centres, retail and dining options, new Council facilities, and strong connections to the Parramatta transport interchange.

It is set across three-hectares of Council-owned space, and real-estate, in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. Upon completion, it is expected to provide accommodation for 13,000 workers.

David Wheeldon

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