Freecity Group Announces Winner of Parramatta Design Excellence Competition
Freecity Group Announces Winner of Parramatta Design Excellence Competition
Freecity Group is excited to reveal FK as the winning team in the Design Excellence Competition for its development site at 81–83 George Street, located in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD.
The selected design paves the way for an innovative Build-to-Rent (BtR) community and marks a significant milestone in reimagining the transformation of the underutilised property. The site benefits from an exciting ground level with Perth House and stables as one of Parramatta’s first sandstone buildings and a huge heritage Fig Tree unlocking a unique opportunity for activation. The site also has exceptional access to existing transport infrastructure—including the Parramatta station, ferry wharf, and light rail all within a short walk—with the new Sydney Metro West station just two blocks away and set to arrive in 2032.
The design competition, managed by Mecone, brought together leading architectural firms HTA Design, FK, Cox Architecture, and Architectus. Central to Freecity’s strategy for Living Sector assets is utilising its leading capability in Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC), due to its inherent advantages for high quality, low impact on site and sustainable buildings. VMC exemplifies circular economy principles, offering a smarter, more sustainable construction model, built in a controlled factory environment, it minimises waste, reduces costs, eliminates weather delays, enhances safety, and creates a more inclusive environment for diverse workforces.
Judged by an independent panel of architecture experts, including representatives from GANSW, City of Parramatta, and an independent judge nominated by Freecity. FK’s proposal was unanimously selected for its strong alignment with Freecity’s vision for innovating future living through sustainable, adaptable contemporary urban living, as well as:
- Elegant vertical expression and contextual responsiveness to heritage-listed Perth House
- A vibrant communal zone exclusively programmed for residents
- Integration of public art and heritage interpretation
- Thoughtful use of materials and landscape treatments
- Dynamic ground floor activation via retail and pedestrian connections
“On behalf of Freecity Group, I would like to congratulate FK for their exceptional winning design” said Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development at Freecity Group.
FK’s design features a refined tower above a three-storey podium, delivering 350 thoughtfully designed Build-to-Rent apartments, comprising 283 two bedroom and 67 three-bedroom homes. Residents will enjoy 2,002m² of communal indoor amenities, complemented by 484m² of ground-floor retail to activate George Street and enhance the urban experience.” said Romano.
Freecity purchased the two sites from The GPT Group in July 2024 with existing development approvals for a premium-grade, 56-level office tower at 91 George Street, with 84,000m² of space, and 81 George Street which has a building envelope approval for 53,000m².
Freecity has been collaborating with state and local planning authorities to transform these approvals into an exemplar mixed-use residential communities, with a focus on Build-to-Rent (BtR) housing, alongside vibrant commercial and retail podiums.
Rob Mirams, Partner at FK said: “We’re inspired by the opportunity to contribute to Parramatta’s evolving urban fabric through a bold new building typology – one that’s centred on creating community through distinctive architecture and vibrant amenity.
The design thoughtfully acknowledges the site’s Indigenous and colonial heritage, responding to this layered history with a contemporary building that redefines form and purpose. Anchored by the historic Perth House, the development will establish a new precinct with dynamic, retail-led activation that reflects the needs of a growing and diverse community. The proposed tower introduces a mix of Build-to-Rent apartments, offering flexibility for future residents and a strong focus on wellness, coworking, and social connection through exceptional indoor and outdoor amenity.” said Mirams.
Steven Mann, Freecity Group’s Chief Strategy Officer said: “Freecity Group has a portfolio of a dozen sites in Sydney with a pipeline of over 5,000 dwellings and we are focused on how we can create supply for the Housing Accord, by reimagining urban living to meet the housing needs of our communities.
We aim to transform these sites into vibrant, sustainable urban precincts, delivering much-needed residential supply, while fostering economic and community growth. BtR is a real win for a modern living city.” said Mann.
