Parramatta Riverside Theatres to get $40m government boost

The arts took centre stage at Parramatta when the Liberals promised $40m to go towards a theatre revamp that will host big-ticket musicals in the must-win seat.

A funding boost will push the Riverside Theatres’ overhaul over the line.

Parramatta’s tired Riverside Theatres will receive a $40m boost towards a much-needed upgrade that will enable it to compete with theatres in the city and east for “big blockbuster shows”.

At a Business Western Sydney forum at Parramatta Square on Tuesday, Treasurer Matt Kean revealed $250m in funding for councils, community groups and Western Sydney University under the $5bn WestInvest program.

The 35-year-old Riverside Theatres will get a boost to help its long-awaited expansion get over the line.

Parramatta Council plans to use $100m from the sale of the multi-deck Riverbank carpark towards the theatre overhaul, which will more than double its capacity from a 950-seat venue into a theatre with more than 2600 seats.

That includes a 1350-seat theatre, a black box theatre to host smaller productions with capacity for 440 spectators, a 90-seat development studio and screening room and converting the Riverside Theatre into the Riverside Playhouse for up to 761 patrons.

Business leaders say Parramatta has the potential to become a theatre precinct.

“It’s clear that western Sydney has outgrown the current Riverside Theatres,’’ Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said.

“It has been a terrific stage for our community since its doors opened, but it hasn’t had the capacity to compete with theatres in the east for the big blockbuster shows.’’

Mr Borger said the announcement would be “great news” for theatregoers and for Parramatta’s night time economy.

“This larger theatre will allow the Riverside to attract blockbuster musicals and concerts,’’ he said.

“Thanks to capacity limits we’ve missed out on musicals playing in western Sydney such as Hamilton.

“With this redevelopment, the Riverside will be the theatre where it happens.’’

He also said the redevelopment would give Parramatta the chance to be Sydney’s first theatre district where patrons could see a show and then visit the Powerhouse Museum.

“The geographical heart of Sydney is en route to being the cultural heart of our city,’’ he said.

“Where else in Sydney can you find a theatre right next door to a world class museum coupled with historic Eat Street at its doorstep?’’

The Hawke Government gifted Parramatta Riverside Theatres in 1988 as a Bicentennial present. The council in September agreed to increase the height of the theatres from 15m to 28m.

Parramatta is a must win seat in the state election, with Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis running for Labor and North Parramatta lawyer Katie Mullens being the Liberals’ hopeful.