News Sunday, 02 August 2026

$100M student housing project planned for Parramatta CBD

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A LONG-vacant commercial building beside Parramatta Station will be transformed into a $100M purpose-built student accommodation complex under a new partnership between Holdmark Property Group and Western Sydney University.

The project will see the 14-storey office building at 10 Valentine Avenue converted into a modern co-living facility accommodating up to 600 students, providing much-needed housing within walking distance of the University's Parramatta CBD campuses.

Located directly beside the Parramatta rail and bus interchange, the redevelopment aims to address growing demand for student accommodation while revitalising an underutilised building in one of Western Sydney's busiest commercial precincts.

The refurbished complex will feature dedicated study and breakout spaces, communal kitchens, rooftop recreation and sporting areas, gym and yoga facilities, music rooms and a range of shared social spaces designed to support student wellbeing and academic success.

Holdmark Chief Operating Officer Kevin Nassif said the project represented a significant investment in Parramatta's future as an education and employment hub.

"This partnership will transform a vacant commercial building into a vibrant student community in one of the best-connected locations in Western Sydney," Mr Nassif said.

"Rather than demolishing an older building and starting again, we are giving an existing asset a new purpose through a major refurbishment that will deliver high-quality accommodation, outstanding student amenities and renewed activity in this important part of the Parramatta CBD."

The building, completed in the late 1980s, comprises around 16,000 square metres of commercial space. It was previously occupied by NSW Government departments before becoming vacant following their relocation to Parramatta Square.

Western Sydney University Chief Operating Officer Bill Parasiris said the development would help meet increasing demand for affordable student housing while easing pressure on the broader rental market.

"This development will deliver modern, purpose-built accommodation within walking distance of our Parramatta CBD campus, public transport and the many employment, cultural and lifestyle opportunities Parramatta has to offer," Mr Parasiris said.

"By increasing the supply of quality, affordable student accommodation close to campus, we are supporting student success, wellbeing, retention and a more connected university experience."

Mr Parasiris said the project demonstrated how existing commercial buildings could be repurposed sustainably to meet the city's evolving needs.

The development comes amid significant investment in Parramatta, including Sydney Metro West, the Powerhouse Parramatta museum, Parramatta Square and the continued expansion of Western Sydney University's CBD presence.

Holdmark, which acquired the broader 2–10 Valentine Avenue site in 2024, has several major projects underway across Parramatta, including the approved InterContinental Hotel development on Church Street, the adaptive reuse of the former Westpac Bank building, and the Melrose Wharf precinct.

Construction and refurbishment are expected to commence next month, with the first students scheduled to move into the accommodation in the final quarter of 2027.