On 3 August 2026
The significance of the Parramatta CBD has been recognised in the State Government’s strategic planning framework for a number of decades. Its current recognition at the heart of the ‘Central City’ in the Greater Sydney Region Plan - A Metropolis of three cities and the Central City District Plan continue to strengthen the significant economic function of the Parramatta CBD and its role in providing necessary housing, employment, recreation and cultural opportunities. To manage the significant growth and changes in the CBD as envisaged in the Greater Sydney Region Plan - A Metropolis of Three Cities and the Central City District Plan, Council is undertaking a major review of its planning framework that will comprehensively address the land use and infrastructure needs for the City Centre into the future. This planning framework is made up of the following components that are being led by Council, as shown in the diagram below.
On 14 October 2022, the Department of Planning and Environment (the Department) finalised the Parramatta City Centre LEP formerly known as the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 (Amendment No 56). A link to the instrument on the NSW Legislation web page is available at this link and the supporting LEP Maps are available at this link. The finalisation of the Parramatta City Centre LEP is a significant milestone in the growth and evolution of our CBD after many years of research, strategic planning and stakeholder consultation. Were any changes made to the City Centre LEP as part of its finalisation? Opportunity Sites - the Opportunity Sites control which allowed for a bonus 3:1 FSR for certain sites was removed. Unlimited Commercial Premises FSR - the unlimited commercial premises FSR control in certain parts of the B4 Mixed Use zone was removed. However, the Department undertook further policy work. See this link to the Department’s webpage for more information.
Unlimited Office Premises FSR - the unlimited office premises FSR control in the B4 Zone and parts of the B3 Commercial Core zone was removed. However, the Department is undertaking further policy work. See this link to the Department’s webpage for information. Community Infrastructure Principles - the community infrastructure principles provision has been removed (and base/incentive height/FSR maps merged accordingly). Parramatta North - the area north of the river has been removed. However, the Department is undertaking further policy work. See this link to the Department’s webpage for information. Phillip Street Block - the street block bound by the river, Charles, Phillip and Smith Streets was removed from the proposal and will retain its existing controls. However, Forest Green Hemp Extract the Department is undertaking further policy work. See this link to the Department’s webpage for information. The reasons for the Department’s changes are provided in the Plan Finalisation Report. The Parramatta City Centre DCP controls came into effect on 2 December 2022. The new DCP controls can be downloaded by referring to Part 6 Parramatta City Centre via this link.
On 14 June 2022 Council resolved to approve the revised Parramatta City Centre Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2022 (Contributions Plan) for submission to the Department of Planning and Environment for final assessment and approval. The Contributions Plan will apply to the Parramatta Central Business District and replaces the Parramatta CBD Development Contribution Plan 2007 (Amendment 5). A development contribution levy will be imposed on all new development with a cost exceeding $250,000. Find out more or view the Plan. On 26 July 2021, Council resolved to finalise the CBD Integrated Transport Plan. On 3 August 2021, the revised Parramatta CBD Integrated Transport Plan was submitted to the Department and can be accessed. On 11 October 2021 Council endorsed the Update of Parramatta Floodplain Risk Management Plans. The Update of Parramatta Floodplain Risk Management Plans are key supporting documents to the City Centre LEP and establish a framework to manage the flood risks associated with new development in the City Centre. As part of the CBD Planning Proposal process in November 2020 Council resolved to investigate the ‘Planning Investigation Areas’ (PIAs) for amended planning controls to be progressed through separate planning strategy/Planning Proposal amendment processes.