Two very different kinds of job
Heritage-sensitive. Parramatta holds some of the oldest buildings in the country and a large number of heritage items and conservation areas — particularly in Harris Park, North Parramatta, and around the historic town centre. Demolition affecting heritage is closely scrutinised, commonly needs a development application, and sometimes is simply not approved.
Redevelopment. At the same time, suburbs across the City of Parramatta are changing fast. Post-war houses are being replaced with larger homes, duplexes and townhouses, and older walk-up blocks are being consolidated for apartments.
Housing stock
- Victorian, Federation and interwar houses in the older suburbs — heavy double brick, often with later fibro additions.
- Post-war fibro and weatherboard across Granville, Toongabbie, Constitution Hill and Westmead.
- 1960s–70s walk-up unit blocks in Harris Park, Westmead, North Parramatta and Granville.
- Brick veneer houses from the 1960s onwards.
Asbestos
Fibro houses, eaves, wet areas, extensions and garages are the usual places. Walk-up blocks can contain asbestos in wet areas, service risers and common areas. Survey first; licensed removal by a separate asbestos removalist before demolition. See asbestos-aware demolition.
Redevelopment sites
Demolitions for duplexes, townhouses and apartments sit inside development consents with detailed conditions — traffic management, waste tracking, dilapidation reports for neighbours, dust and noise controls, and hours of work. Sequencing to the builder matters. See site clearing.
Busy streets
Around the Parramatta CBD, Westmead health precinct and major roads, truck access, loading and footpath permits need planning ahead.
Council
City of Parramatta. Many dwellings can be demolished under a complying development certificate. Heritage items, conservation areas and larger redevelopment proposals typically go through a development application. See council and approvals.
Suburbs covered
Parramatta, Harris Park, North Parramatta, Westmead, Granville, Rosehill, Rydalmere, Dundas, Telopea, Oatlands, Northmead, Toongabbie, Constitution Hill, Wentworthville and Winston Hills.
Typical jobs
- House demolition for redevelopment.
- Partial demolition on heritage properties.
- Site clearing for multi-residential projects.
Costs
See the 2026 demolition cost bands.
Call 02 4705 3495 or send the job details through.
Questions people ask before they commit
Are there heritage controls in Parramatta?
Yes, significantly. As one of the earliest European settlements in Australia, Parramatta has many heritage items and conservation areas, including parts of Harris Park, North Parramatta and around the historic core. Demolition affecting heritage commonly needs a development application.
Can I demolish a house to build a duplex or townhouses?
Where zoning and lot size permit, yes. Redevelopment is common across Parramatta, Westmead, Granville, Toongabbie and surrounds. The demolition is typically included in the approval for the new development and must follow its conditions.
What about walk-up unit blocks?
Demolishing a strata building involves the owners corporation and, typically, the strata renewal or sale process before any demolition approval. Multi-residential demolitions are larger jobs with more detailed conditions on traffic, waste and neighbour protection.
Is asbestos likely?
In post-war houses, walk-ups and extensions built before about 1990, yes. Survey first; removal by a separately licensed asbestos removalist before demolition.