New University Campus Planned for Parramatta to Host 25,000 Students

The new Parramatta Light Rail is seen on its first day of service with the Parramatta CBD in the background in western Sydney, Australia on Dec. 20, 2024. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The Minns Labor government has unveiled a bold plan to transform a 42-hectare site in Parramatta North, addressing the demands of one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas.

The proposal promises 2,500 new homes, a university campus capable of hosting up to 25,000 students, and a significant increase in recreational green spaces for community use.

Located along the new Parramatta Light Rail line, the site will also serve as a cornerstone for the Westmead Health and Innovation District (WHID), supporting research, health services, education, and associated industries.

The government claims the plan has the potential to create 12,000 high-value jobs.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “The rezoning of Parramatta North is crucial to unlocking the full potential of this precinct—delivering jobs, housing, and open space, whilst taking full advantage of the new Parramatta Light Rail.”

Balancing Housing Needs with Green Spaces

The development tackles Sydney’s acute housing shortage while ensuring the preservation of open spaces.

Approximately half of the precinct will be designated for recreational green areas, offering residents essential communal spaces amid urbanisation.

Migration has been a significant driver of population growth in Parramatta. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 22.3 percent of Parramatta’s residents are Chinese migrants, followed by 11.2 percent of Indian migrants, compared to the Australian-born population rate of 13.9 percent.

Rezoning Reform Vital for Affordable Housing

Rezoning reforms are critical to addressing the broader housing crisis, claims the Business Council of Australia (BCA).

BCA recently flagged the nation’s inability to meet the National Housing Accord’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years.

ABS data shows that only 176,000 new dwellings were completed during the 2023–24 financial year, a shortfall of 64,000 homes annually.

BCA Chief Executive Bran Black stressed the urgency of zoning reform, saying, “We need state and territory governments to unlock more land for more homes in cities and towns across Australia so we can fix this supply crisis. These changes need to allow for greater density and height near good transport services, while at the same time protecting the quality of life, green space, and heritage of an area.”

Preserving Heritage and First Nations Collaboration

The rezoning plan has been designed with sensitivity to Parramatta North’s cultural and historical significance.

Over 30 heritage buildings are set to be preserved, and the project incorporates consultation with the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation and the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council.

“The rich heritage of Parramatta North is vital to its identity, and our development approach ensures it is respected and celebrated while planning for the future,” Kamper said.

Opposition Pushes for Bipartisan Housing Reforms

The New South Wales Coalition has urged bipartisan collaboration to tackle the state’s housing challenges.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman called for a roundtable discussion to modernise planning laws.

“We proposed a bipartisan roundtable to bring key players together and deliver reforms that streamline approvals and unlock new housing opportunities. While we await the government’s formal response to our written offer, we welcome the premier’s positive comments and hope to work constructively to deliver outcomes that benefit families and communities across the state,” he said in a statement on Jan. 1.