Merrylands Civic Square redevelopment to boost night-time ecomony

Incredible footage reveals how a water play area, night markets, fresh new landscapes in the heart of a western Sydney suburb will transform a former carpark into an $11 million town square.

A boost in the night-time economy is envisaged when the $11 million Merrylands Civic Square is completed and transforms the centre of the suburb once occupied by a carpark.

Footage shows plans for a bustling hub with a water play area, night markets, native tree plantings, public art, street furniture and amenities including bike racks, water fountains, smart bins, smart light poles, tables and benches.

Merrylands Civic Square will connect McFarlane St and Merrylands Rd.

Progress on the square, which will link McFarlane St and Merrylands Rd, is poised to ramp up with the demolition of Merrylands Arcade and clearing the carpark to make way for the multifunctional recreation space.

Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said the square would bring diverse cultures together and provide the community with a place to unite and “foster a feeling of pride and appeal”.

“The new civic square will provide a unique gathering place for cultural gatherings and events, as well as social activities given its ideal location and proximity to local retail outlets and businesses,’’ Cr Lake said.

“Not only will it offer to be a great place to enjoy and take part in community life, it will also support the local economy and assist in developing the night life economy of Merrylands.’’

However, the project has attracted criticism from some retailers, including Hrt2Hrt owner Sam Elfawal, who said the closure of the carpark in June had led to a 30 per cent drop in business at his Lebanese sweet shop and restaurant.

“It killed the carpark and it ruined all the business,’’ he said.

“We’ve been there for 22 years. Surviving is not the problem, it’s how long for? It will be another year before that carpark’s finished.’’

Hrt2Hrt owner Sam Elfawal says business dropped 30 per cent when the carpark neighbouring his sweet shop closed last year. Picture: Monique Harmer

He said the smaller carpark closure to construct the Mason and Main apartment complex, also on Merrylands Rd, had also been detrimental to business when more parking spaces were cleared at the former Harris Farm site.

His request for the council to close the carpark site that will turn into a square in stages was rejected because of safety reasons.

As a solution, the council requested Stockland shopping centre management extend its parking hours from 8pm to 11pm, a move Mr Elfawal said “Stockland was kind enough” to deliver.

How the square will look after stage two. It will also connect to Main Lane.

A total of $5.5 million from the State Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program was allocated to the square, which is part of the broader infrastructure upgrades in the Merrylands town centre and includes road and drainage improvements and public domain upgrades.

The council has funded the remainder of the square, which will be delivered in two stages, with the first part to be completed by the end of December.

Merrylands Arcade’s demolition is expected to be wrapped up by the middle of March.

Residents can make submissions here before Wednesday.

Aquatic features have added to the square.

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