The 336-metre Aspire Tower by Grimshaw Architects is a step closer to realisation after the NSW Government approved the request to remove building height limits for the site.
The building previously faced intervention from aviation authorities who sought to reduce the tower’s height by up to 30 storeys. Until now, their intervention was backed by Airports (Protection of Airspace) regulations which restrict building heights in Parramatta to about 243 metres, so as to assist pilots flying by sight.
The decision follows a request from Parramatta City Council to planning authorities for “a no-fly zone” over its CBD so that buildings up to 500 metres high can be constructed in the city without regard to flight paths.
The removal of the limitations may offer extra incentive to the shortlisted developers of the building who are currently preparing their bids for the project’s contract. Developers Leighton Properties, Walker corporation, Dyldam and Centurion Custodians have been shortlisted to build what could be Sydney’s tallest building in Parramatta and now await council’s announcement of the winning proposal scheduled for the middle of the year.
Standing 366 metres tall, the Grimshaw design features hotel, residential and retail facilities, as well as the tallest publicly-accessible viewing platform and experience centre in the southern hemisphere.
Adaptable facades accommodate all of the various planning arrangements of apartment type into a modular system. The tower's spires reach 336 metre while the 305 metre roof height of the habitable terraces creates a distinctive silhouette for the city skyline.
