Church St Parramatta Light Rail works almost finished, project delayed until late 2023

The Parramatta Light Rail dining strip is expected to reopen to coincide with the easing of Covid restrictions but sources say the $2.4 billion project’s completion will be delayed.

Parramatta Light Rail works on the Church St dining strip are expected to be ready on Monday to coincide with the easing of Covid restrictions on Freedom Day but sources say the entire $2.4 billion project’s completion will be delayed.

The cost of remediating the contamination on the stabling yard site at Camellia is understood to have delayed the project so a temporary facility can be built, meaning the 12km line from Westmead to Carlingford could open in late 2023 instead of the first quarter as planned.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said the contractor was mobilising and establishing the site at Camellia ahead of major construction of the light rail stabling facility but did not answer questions about the timeline other than to say “we’re delivering it in 2023 as committed”.

Before construction works started at Church St on February 1, 2020. Picture: Angelo Velardo

However, there is positive news for fans of dining out locally, with construction on “Eat St” expected to conclude next week.

Restaurateurs say Parramatta Council is organising outdoor dining permits along Church St to be prepared for Monday, October 11, and a Transport for NSW spokeswoman has confirmed work will be completed in the “coming week”.

“The team is finalising work in the area, including paving, landscaping and rail grinding works, before the construction fencing can come down,’’ she said.

Church St "Eat St' Parramatta on September 29, 2021.

“In response to Covid-19, the construction schedule was amended to fast-track work along Eat St, bringing forward the completion of major construction and returning the precinct to sophisticated outdoor dining as quickly as possible.’’

The light rail will transport about 16,000 commuters every day into the new shared light rail and pedestrian zone within Eat St.

The once-buzzing foodie hub has been plagued by light rail works and, coupled with Covid, many, including Sicilian, struggled to survive and were forced to shut down.

Some including mainstays El-Phoenician and Restaurant 317 will reopen alongside newbies Frankie B’s at the former Criniti’s restaurant.

Rowena Milliss and her mum Saba Tedla dine in the outdoor dining area of the Coco Cubano in Parramatta in October, 2019. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Restaurant 317 co-owner Pierre Sande will open the doors to his popular restaurant on October 18 to see out a renovation but has already started taking several bookings.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Steven Issa said he was excited about the opening.

“I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they see the transformation of Church St and, as we come out of lockdown, I encourage people to start supporting the local businesses who have gone through a period of change,’’ he said.

“Now’s the time to shine and the City of Parramatta’s time to shine.’’

Pierre and Christine Sande are excited about welcoming back customers at Restaurant 317. Picture: Richard Dobson

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said Church St would be the perfect place to meet friends and dine in the fresh air.

“Parramatta’s famous Eat Street will come roaring back to life with the end of lockdown restrictions and the completion of major construction on the light rail,’’ he said.

“We’ll be able to enjoy outdoor dining with old favourites and some brand new restaurants and cafes on a pedestrian and light rail boulevard without the sound and smell of cars.

“Parramatta Light Rail has driven millions of dollars of new investment along the route and Eat Street will be no exception.’’

Subject to Covid restrictions, TfNSW event Eat Street Uncovered is to be “rolled out over the coming months” to celebrate the completion of major construction along the dining strip.cost to remediate it.

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