Parramatta, Phillip Steet: ‘Smart street’ work begins
One of Australia’s first technology-equipped “smart streets’’ - including USB charging ports, bin sensors and water misting coolers - could also provide a lifeline for western Sydney restaurants.
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Technology-equipped “smart streets” could also provide a lifeline to restaurants of Parramatta’s embattled Church St dining strip, which are suffering under construction of the controversial light rail project.
The $4.3 million first stage of the double-phase project, converting Phillip St into a “smart street’’, features the installation of street furniture with built-in USB charging ports, smart irrigation, CCTV, environmental monitoring, parking sensors, compactor bins with sensors to indicate when rubbish is overflowing and collection is needed, and water misting for temperature cooling during western Sydney’s sizzling summers.
Parramatta councillor Martin Zaiter said as well as being a tech-savvy project, the footpath widening on Phillip St could present an opportunity for struggling Church St restaurants to relocate there as an alfresco-friendly dining option.
“The number of leases on Church St may be ending and there’s opportunities for any business that don’t want to stay in Church St,’’ he said.
“It gives them an opportunity to stay in Parramatta. The vision is to be similar to what Church St was.”
The Parramatta Light Rail has carved up the dining mecca street since February when it has been closed to pedestrians, while the coronavirus crisis has also plunged it into more trouble.
However, Cr Zaiter said once the “smart street’’ is established, businesses could capitalise on it.
“Setting up the infrastructure there will definitely allow people to see the potential of it and what they can bring to their business,’’ he said.
The first stage includes footpath widening on the southern side of Phillip St between Eat St and the Justice Precinct, and has been designed to entice people to walk through the CBD.
“The intention is that people who catch the ferry will walk to the CBD through Phillip St as a corridor,’’ Cr Zaiter said.
The construction will not require the road to be shut.
The first stage is near the The Coffee Emporium Restaurant and Bar but eventually all of Phillip St, between Marsden and Charles streets, will feature the technology.
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The planting of mature trees has also begun after Parramatta Council responded to a request for more greenery.
“Residents, workers and visitors told us they want more outdoor dining, shade, greenery, and seating within the CBD, and council is delivering,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said.
“Once complete, not only will pedestrians and diners have more space, but there will also be a number of high-tech features that will make this popular street more accessible, cooler, safer and more vibrant.”
Stage one of this project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.