Plans for Parramatta’s first five-star hotel have hit a hurdle as an application for early demolition works has been rejected.
The local planning panel reportedly rejected the separate development application for early works including demolition on the 4308sq m site at 197-207 Church Street and 89 Marsden Street at Parramatta.
The Urban Developer understands the local planning panel wanted more clarity around heritage and other issues before granting early works approvals.
The $265-million project comprises plans for the retention of the facade of the 1925 Murray Brothers Building fronting Macquarie Street, with a 24-storey commercial tower above it and a 31-storey Intercontinental Hotel.
Briefing documents from the Sydney Central City Planning Panel recently highlighted the retention of heritage artefacts as a key issue in the assessment of the proposed project.
“The intention of the applicant is to retain and incorporate the facade of the site’s department store,” the report said.
“There is a high potential for buried archaeological artefacts to be found on the site, which was the location of the first school in New South Wales.
“Possible evidence of first contact between Aboriginal and European people may also be found on the site.
“As the preference of the Heritage Council is for retention of artefacts on site, rather than removal and preservation, the proposed design may be required to be varied substantially.”
Touted as Parramatta’s first luxury hotel, the Intercontinental will comprise 212 rooms across a slender 31-storey tower capped by a rooftop bar and restaurant with outdoor terrace.
Along with a 24-storey office tower, the hotel will sit atop a three-level retail podium and four levels of basement that will feature a grand ballroom as well as car and bike parking.
While the development is still under assessment, Holdmark Property Group has the project slated for completion in 2025.
According to Holdmark Property Group the heritage facade would be enhanced through design, which “which honours the historiclaly significant architecture of the site and surrounding precinct, while also acknowledging the strong influence of the original custodieans of the land, the Burramattagal people”.
Holdmark Property Group was contacted for comment but did not respond ahead of publication.
