By way of context, the area of Parramatta City Centre located north of the river was removed from the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal in October 2022 by the Planning Department. The Department subsequently prepared a new environmental planning policy to amend Parramatta LEP to introduce new planning controls for North Parramatta.

As part of the new special area controls, a site on the western side of Church Street between Harold Street and Fennell Street has been identified as a potential location for a future civic space due to its proximity to Parramatta Light Rail. This site is predominately in Council or State Government ownership.

Church Street North Special Area controls aim to realise a mixed-use area of the City Centre with retail and commercial spaces at lower levels and predominately residential uses within street edge podium and tower forms, arranged along green streets and landscaped courtyards with increased tree canopy.