Parramatta to transform into 24-hour city with bars, cafes, music
It is the home of the Eels, Westfield and a bustling CBD and Parramatta could soon become the city that never sleeps with plans to keep it hopping 24 hours.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Parramatta is taking a bite out of the Big Apple and ramping up plans to become a 24-hour city buzzing with small bars, cafes and music.
Parramatta Council wants to establish a night time economy fitting for Sydney’s second major city and has adopted plans to work with businesses and extend trading hours to get the plan off the ground.
Ahead of adopting the Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024, Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer wants to make the city’s $1.07 billion night economy thrive.
“From diners looking to having an evening drink or coffee, to Riverside Theatres’ patrons seeking a post-show meal or further entertainment, residents, visitors students and workers alike are all looking for places to go to make the most of their evening experiences in our CBD,’’ he said.
“City of Parramatta is transforming, it’s recognised as the second major city by the greater Sydney Commission.
“Given this context, the opportunity for the city to grow our night time economy to be more diverse and welcoming and vibrant is a matter of priority.”
Councillor Phil Bradley backed plans and called for residents’ concerns to be tackled.
“We have experienced some detrimental shut downs in terms of operating hours in some centres, such as the City of Sydney, and there’s been a very strong movement to reverse those shut down hours to open them up for the night time economy and to keep the city alive at night,’’ he said.
“It’s important that we are cognisant that the noise can be a problem for residents who live nearby and we have to do this carefully in consultation to ensure the extended operating hours do not cause undue inconvenience and sleep disruption to people in the nearby area.”
The State Government earmarked Parramatta as a night time economy activation precinct in February.
Consultation found 80 per cent of people visit Parramatta CBD, followed by 26 per cent each for Harris Park and Sydney Olympic Park.
The top three activities were eating out (85 per cent), followed by entertainment (56 per cent) and late-night shopping (40 per cent).
Barriers to the nocturnal life were parking shortages (42 per cent), feeling unsafe (40 per cent), lack of appealing activities (35 per cent), lack of choice (29 per cent) and lack of public transport (20 per cent).
The council will approach the community for consultation about Parramatta Night City Framework 2020-2024 from Monday to November 11, including at Parramatta Lanes food festival next week.
It will also review its Parramatta CBD small bars policy after the Framework document is finalised.
Have your say about the night city plans at oursay.org/cityofparramatta or email NTE@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
IN OTHER NEWS
