Parramatta Quay, Alfred Street Bridge across river imminent

Parramatta’s tag as a river city is about to be elevated – with a striking bridge and redeveloped wharf to revitalise the foreshore. Catch a glimpse of the new landmarks.

The Alfred Street Bridge at Parramatta will open to pedestrians and cyclists in spring.

Parramatta’s tag as a river city is about to be elevated with an arresting bridge and redeveloped wharf to revitalise the foreshore.

The $19m Alfred Street Bridge – Australia’s first diagonal arch bridge which will connect residents north of the Parramatta to the CBD – is due to open in September after several delays.

The pedestrian and cyclist bridge, dubbed “Alfie”, is 4.5m wide, almost 200m long and is in the final stages of completion with the southern underpass, final landscaping and stainless steel balustrades to be installed.

The span with a 30m arch is between James Ruse Drive and the Gas Works Bridge, and was co-funded by Parramatta Council and the state government.

The Alfred Street Bridge at Parramatta.

Further down the river, last minute touches are being placed on Parramatta Quay where the amphitheatre, new ramps, stairs, wide riverfront walk, seating, landscaping and public art will greet passengers boarding or exiting the Rivercat.

The wharf is due to open by September 30 but the council is still in negotiations with the government about the opening date for the wharf, which cost more than $10m to upgrade.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said the bridge would make it easier to navigate for pedestrians and bike riders.

“It’s an important link allowing the community access to more than 20km of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings,’’ he said.

He said the wharf upgrade would also improve the link from the river to the city.

“Parramatta Quay and Charles Street Square are effectively the front door for visitors travelling to our city by ferry,’’ he said.

“The upgrades will improve the connection from the river to the city and help transform it into a vibrant pocket of Parramatta with new landscaping, food and drink outlets and public artwork for everyone to enjoy right on the riverfront.”

Workers at Parramatta Quay.

Part of the amphitheatre.

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger has welcomed the upgrades for recreation and business opportunities after the city “turned out back on the river for too long”.

“It means there’s going to be more opportunities for exercise and circuits,’’ he said.

“If you’re on the north side of the river you can access the supermarket at Rosehill so it means the city is going to work better.

“When you think about it there aren’t a lot of places in Parramatta to have a cup of coffee and look at the river.

Danielle is looking forward to the opening of the Alfred Street Bridge at Parramatta.

Nigel Sugden relishes time by the river.

“I think it’s great the council’s taking a risk with an elegant bridge design and hopefully it starts to help the retail along the river. There’s a lot of retail vacancies.’’

North Parramatta resident and cyclist Danielle, who declined to give her surname, is “so excited” about the projects, particularly the bridge, which will cut some travel time for her to get to Rosehill.

“Just having the cycleway across the bridge, that will be so much more convenient for me,’’ she said.

“I feel like we can get by on foot anywhere in Parramatta.’’

Mark Trewhella, who has returned to Parramatta after more than a decade from living in Lismore in northern NSW with his wife Deidre, was not so impressed and did not see the need for a bridge.

But he does enjoy cycling along the $18m escarpment that opened in 2021.

Mark and Deidre Trewhella walk and cycle along the river but are more critical of the new infrastructure.

Mrs Trewhella liked the look of the wharf and what it brought to Parramatta.

“I like the vibrancy and the energy,’’ she said.

“You can go and eat wherever you want or jump on the Rivercat.

“I just think it’s progress.

“I just hope they consulted with Aboriginal people because it’s still Aboriginal land.’’