Lockhart-Krause Architects has unveiled an exciting reference design for a new high-rise development at 41-43 Hunter Street in Sydney Parramatta, situated on the ancestral lands of the Dharug people. This project, nestled within Parramatta Square and adjacent to key landmarks such as Parramatta Train Station, Library, and St John Anglican Cathedral, aims to address the pressing need for housing in New South Wales while preserving the historic integrity of the area.

The proposal preserves an existing 1895 heritage house on the site, with a new 50-storey, 230meter high residential & mixed use tower, incorporating 30,000 square metres of internal space. Addressing the critical demand for additional housing in New South Wales.

As the tower reaches skyward, its apex converges into a silhouette reminiscent of St John’s Anglican Cathedral’s copper clad spires, reinforcing a connection to the city's urban fabric, a celebration of the local heritage.

Together with the adjacent highrise at 6 & 8 Parramatta Square, they form a pair of sentinel towers, guarding the gateway to the heart of Parramatta. This ensemble not only enhances the skyline but also serves as a beacon of progress and reverence for the city's heritage and unique architectural character.

Lockhart-Krause Architects hold a deep passion for heritage preservation, currently engaged in the restoration of another historical gem located in Bondi Beach—the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Lifesaving Club, officially the oldest surf club in the world. 

The bronze fins adorning the façade pay homage to the St John's Anglican Cathedral, a significant heritage site and the oldest church in Australia in continuous use. Over time, the bronze blades will mimic the ageing of the cathedral’s now green spires, developing patina on the metal finish, speaking to centuries of history.

At street level, the design includes an array of dynamic retail spaces to further contribute to the vibrant hub of commercial activity in Parramatta Square, inviting pedestrians to engage with a mix of shops, cafes, amenities, and outdoor dining spaces.  

The previous scheme for a private hospital in 2022 included 15,000 square meters of space. The amended reference design delivers 30,000 square meters, doubling the size of the outcome.  This is made possible by incorporating significant public benefits including a publicly accessible laneway, childcare, retail, heritage preservation, remediation of the isolated site, improved public domain, and diverse housing options.

The design will embrace sustainability Parramatta Council’s targets of reducing greenhouse emissions by 60 percent by 2038. Each residential unit is thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light, ventilation, open and connected with the external environment.

Lockhart-Krause Architects' proposed highrise tower at 41-43 Hunter Street in Sydney Parramatta not only addresses the pressing demand for housing in New South Wales but also serves as a tribute to local heritage, with its design inspired by the iconic spires of St John’s Anglican Cathedral, contributing to Parramatta’s unique character, supporting the public domain.  

The next step will be to complete a design excellence competition and move towards an approved DA.