Ecove Group Plans $250m Olympic Park Development

Ecove Group has lodged State Significant Development plans for a $250-million, 45-storey skyscraper and commercial tower at Sydney Olympic Park.

The application lodged with the City of Parramatta council is for three buildings—a 45-storey tower comprising 464 serviced apartments, a 12-storey commercial office building which would connect via a pedestrian bridge to the apartment tower, and a five-storey pavilion.

Fitzpatrick + Partners Architects won a design competition for the mixed-use development proposed for the 7711sq m site at 2a and 2b Australia Avenue, which would create about 900 construction jobs.

According to Ethos Urban environmental impact statement, the proposed development would provide public benefit for people living and working in Sydney Olympic Park.

“The proposal will contribute positive economic impacts through the investment directly and indirectly during both the construction and operation of the serviced apartment, commercial office, retail, and registered club,” the report said.

“The innovative slender circular tower form on Site 2A was the superior urban design response, and along with the interesting tesselated facade design will create a landmark building for this site.

“The creation of an innovative commercial building providing cross laminated timber construction that spans over the railway corridor provides larger floor plates and therefore lower building height.

“The inclusion of cross laminated timber technology in the commercial building and the innovative approach to the facade both contribute to the ability of this development to be a successful sustainable development.”

The commercial building is aiming for a minimum 5-Star Green Star Rating.

The development aims to reinvigorate the precinct and create a high-quality public domain—the site is currently an at-grade carpark.

“The proposed development combines the demand for employment and retail uses and the significant need for serviced apartment accommodation to revitalise this underutilised site within Sydney Olympic Park,” the report said.

“[It will] contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the precinct as Sydney’s premier events and sporting precinct.”

Sydney Olympic Park is a 640ha parcel of land 14km west of the Sydney CBD. It has a growing residential community and is home to multiple sporting and entertainment venues.

While the Parkville precinct within Olympic Park is earmarked for commercial developments, the serviced apartment tower would help boost the local visitor economy, according to Ethos Urban’s assessment.