Suspicious fire on Parramatta site planned for 61-storey apartment

2 hours ago 4

A fire that broke out in an old PCYC building formerly owned by fugitive developer Jean Nassif in Parramatta’s CBD is being treated as a suspicious incident.

Authorities were called to 12 Hassall Street about 7.50pm on Thursday after reports of a building fire. The blaze took about 100 firefighters to contain. No injuries were reported.

A fire at the old PCYC building on Hassall Street in Parramatta’s CBD is being treated as suspicious.

“As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

The Parramatta PCYC youth charity occupied the Parramatta building for more than 50 years, before it was sold in 2016 to developer Toplace, operated by Nassif, for more than $30 million.

Nassif sold the site for about $70 million in 2021 to a partnership between Gurner Group and Australian real estate fund manager Qualitas, which has plans to transform the site into a 61-storey tower with 385 apartments. The building is unoccupied.

Gurner Group has been contacted for comment.

The Sydney Morning Herald has opened a bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email [email protected] with news tips.