For decades, planners and locals debated whether Parramatta would truly emerge as Sydney's second CBD. That moment has arrived. From the transformation of Parramatta Square to the growing cultural and transport spine across the centre, the heart of Greater Sydney is shifting west. The Sydney Morning Herald captured this shift in its recent piece, “It's time to admit it: Parramatta has finally become Sydney's second CBD.”

As this civic story gathers pace, Paramount on Parkes sits within the fabric of the Parramatta CBD at 20 Parkes Street, Harris Park. Its role is straightforward: add well-located homes, convenient ground-floor uses and commercial space to a city that is growing its day-to-day life as much as its skyline.

Shaping a real city

Parramatta's transformation isn't just talk – it's happening before our eyes. Long-term public and private investment is delivering new institutions, workplaces and public spaces at the same time. Parramatta Square brings together government, education, media and private enterprise in a walkable precinct.

Transport is improving in parallel, with the light rail changing local movement and the future metro set to link more homes and jobs across Greater Sydney. Cultural anchors are deepening the offer, including Powerhouse Parramatta and a redeveloped Riverside Theatres precinct.

Forecasts line up with what's visible on the ground: billions in committed and pipeline investment over the coming years and strong population growth through the 2030s, supported by higher education institutions and employment. This is the context in which inner-city living, public space and everyday services need to work together as parts of a single system.

Paramount on Parkes in context

Paramount on Parkes is a 46-storey mixed-use tower with 331 architect-designed apartments, a ground-floor retail precinct and more than 3,000 square metres of premium commercial space. Its location, around 400 metres from Parramatta Station, places people within easy reach of heavy rail, bus, light rail and the future metro. From its upper levels the outlook stretches across the Parramatta skyline to the Sydney CBD and out to the Blue Mountains.

Private amenities are planned for daily life rather than spectacle: a podium-level swimming pool, children's play area, gardens and shared spaces designed to help neighbours meet and to make staying local feel natural. At street level, vibrant retail spaces bring life and energy to the area, with Westfield Parramatta and Eat Street just moments away offering shopping and dining at your doorstep. Commercial suites support a mixed-use rhythm that gives the building a role beyond housing alone.

Recognition from industry

Paramount on Parkes has received acknowledgement from independent juries. It was named High Rise Metro Development of the Year at the Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards 2025, and previously won Best Mixed-Use Development in Australia at the 2023 Asia Pacific International Property Awards.

ALAND Founder and Owner Andrew Hrsto has framed the development simply: Paramount on Parkes is intended to provide much-needed housing and everyday amenity within the Parramatta CBD while supporting the local economy with street-level retail and commercial space.

A centre that works seven days

What sets a true CBD apart is not height alone but the ability to work across the week for different groups of people. Parramatta is moving in that direction. Students and researchers use the precinct by day, diners and audiences arrive in the evening, workers move through on weekdays, and local residents have reasons to stay close on weekends. The more the mix grows, the more benefits flow: shorter commutes, stronger local patronage for small businesses and a healthier pattern of street life.

Projects like Paramount on Parkes support this shift by adding homes near transport and services, and by putting activity on the ground plane. The result is more than just an architectural statement, it's a lasting contribution to a centre that continues to evolve – a landmark in Sydney's second CBD.