Parramatta is undergoing a transformational evolution in growth and prosperity in both the private and public sectors which has led to many new developments, and the implementation of a citywide framework plan. The 197 Church Street site sits at the nexus of this new development at the heart of the Parramatta CBD, on one of the city’s most culturally significant intersections.

A site of such importance requires considered design thinking. Our architectural approach is significantly shaped by conversations with our Indigenous partner, Matthew Fellingham, and what caring for Country means to First Nation peoples. These conversations, initiated as a first step in our process, revealed opportunities to intrinsically connect the architecture to the land through a design narrative that is rich in culture and heritage.  

Our exploration of Indigenous pathways and geomorphological lines through the Parramatta region, and the subsequent colonial layering and urbanisation of the city led us to develop four key conceptual design principles; Travel Lines, the Urban Grid, Layering and Placemaking. These key conceptual principles drive the design from both a physical - the built form and its adjacencies, and philosophical - the soul and emotive journey, and work together to form a deep connection and sense of place.

This led to a ground-up approach and the creation of a through-link to physically connect the urban block bounded by Marsden, Macquarie and Church Streets - streets with names originating from religious and political history. Missing from this connection was the Indigenous story, and the celebration of the Indigenous culture unique to the Parramatta region, the Burramadigal people. This resulted in the through-link being named Ngara Nura Way, which means, “listen to Country, learn from Country and to share knowledge”.

The significance of Parramatta Square historically and geographically, the connection and meaning of the newly created Ngara Nura Way, and the travel lines established through the site drive the articulation of the built form above. Overall, the design proposal will contribute positively to the urban life of the precinct, connect with its rich history, and culture, and align with the transformational evolution in growth and prosperity currently witnessed in Parramatta.