Sydney ‘eyesore’ set for transformation – why the government says this time, it will work 

It’s not the first time Parramatta Road has been targeted as a site of inner-city regeneration. So how will the government ensure success this time around? 

NSW premier Chris Minns stood alongside councillors from Sydney’s Inner West council on Sunday, 14 September, to announce that together they would take action on the pain point that is Parramatta Road. 

A major east-west artery of metropolitan Sydney running 23km from the city’s east and ending in Parramatta, the road has been a constant target of criticism in recent history – as well as a focus for potential revitalisation. 

Now, the state government and Inner West council have earmarked the inner-city LGA’s portion of the road for substantial rezoning, hoping that more residential housing will not only help ease the city’s housing woes, but also bring commerce to the busy thoroughfare, minimising the presence of abandoned shops that have become a target for graffiti. 

The state and local governments estimate that 8000 new homes could be built along the busy road thanks to this increased density. Currently in the area only lower-level residential buildings are permitted.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the council would go “block-by-block” to decide where building zones could change along the road as well as several streets behind it.

And while the plan was welcomed by voices from across the development industry, they also stressed that more than just new homes would be needed to turn Parramatta Road’s reputation around. 

Property Council NSW executive director Katie Stevenson applauded the decision, noting that the area was ripe with potential. 

“Today’s announcement could turn this critical transport corridor into a vibrant precinct that delivers thousands of much-needed new homes,” Ms Stevenson said. 

She stressed that the next step must be aligning planning, infrastructure, and investment settings to make delivery viable. 

“Turning plans into homes means will require further investment in transport, community facilities and streamlined approvals to ensure the Parramatta Road corridor grows into a place that provides housing, jobs, services and vibrant neighbourhoods,” she noted. 

Government promises the past won’t repeat 

Parramatta Road’s rejuvenation was similarly welcomed by the Urban Taskforce, but the organisation noted that the government must learn from past mistakes. 

This isn’t the first time the area has been earmarked for urban renewal.  

The Parramatta Road Urban Transformation Strategy was released roughly a decade ago, with a 30-year plan to redevelop the area through planning and infrastructure investment. 

A third of the way through that project, and little change can be seen. 

According to Urban Taskforce acting CEO Stephen Fenn, past plans have floundered due to a lack of coordination between state and local governments, leaving the city with what he called a “boulevard of broken dreams”. 

“Today’s announcement offers some hope finally that we will start seeing the rezonings required to transform one of Sydney’s greatest eyesores,” Mr Fenn said. 

“We need to ensure these rezonings are converted into DAs, commencements and completions. A lighter touch in terms of fees, taxes and charges is needed to ensure project feasibility,” he added. 

In announcing the project, Mr Minns acknowledged the unrealised plans in the road’s history. 

“Parramatta Road has been talked about for decades with little result. It’s time to stop talking and start building. What will transform this major corridor is more homes for people to revitalise this area. That’s what’s needed to deliver more vibrancy to one of our city’s most important corridors,” Mr Minns said. 

Minister for planning and public spaces, Paul Scully, said that the state would be “working closely with Inner West Council,” together ensuring that “planning reflects the needs of local communities while providing the new homes Sydney so desperately needs”. 

According to the government, the project’s planning phase will involve an examination of affordable housing components, active transport connections, new open space, retail and commercial opportunities, as well as improvements to the public domain. 

NSW member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen also stressed that the two governments would work closely, in a partnership she said would show “what’s possible when councils and government collaborate to tackle Sydney’s housing crisis head-on”. 

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