Pendle Hill, Civic Park site: Plans for multi-deck carpark push ahead
Plans to upgrade a popular village green come at the same time a multi-deck carpark is proposed to block the park’s entrance views, creating an “eyesore”.
Parramatta
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Plans for a multi-storey carpark at Pendle Hill are gaining pace despite the potential “eyesore” it would impose on adjacent Civic Park, where much-needed restoration works are earmarked.
The issue of where to build a carpark at Pendle Hill has run for four years and re-emerged at a recent Cumberland Council meeting when it agreed to write to Transport for NSW to investigate building a 130-space, multi-level carpark on the existing parking lot next to Civic Park.
In March 2019, the council unanimously rejected the State Government’s plan to build a carpark on the site and called for it to explore alternate locations that would not block views of the park.
But another site has not been picked, despite some opponents arguing Purdie Lane behind Woolworths would be more appropriate.
Liberal councillor Michael Zaiter said the carpark — which could be up to four storeys — was a necessity and called on the council to take action now instead of delaying discussions with the government.
“I don’t want this to continue on for another 12 months or another two years,’’ he said.
“Our residents deserve a carpark in this particular town. The longer we wait, the higher the possibility that the NSW State Government may decide to change their mind about building this parking station.’’
Civic Ave is already a bottleneck and Pendle Hill station is used by residents in neighbouring suburbs such as Greystanes.
READ MORE: Three unit blocks at Pendle Hill to further cripple parking
“These residents, are in some cases, forced to park their cars more than 1km away from Pendle Hill train station,’’ Cr Zaiter said.
“These residents do not have the privilege of living within walking distance to a train station.”
But councillor Lisa Lake branded the location for a multi-deck carpark on the Civic Park edge as poor and unacceptable.
“Civic Park is at the heart of Pendle Hill, and it’s the village green, and a multi-storey carpark between the park and the village would be an eyesore there,’’ she said.
“It would block the park’s entrance’s views and would destroy the connection that now exists between the shopping precinct and the park.’’
Cr Lake also objected to the carpark because of the Civic Park and Wetlands masterplan, which involves building a second bridge over the carpark to the park, widening the creek and removing pollutant traps.
“It also requires a new parking layout for the carpark (with 16 extra spaces), which will allow space to service creek maintenance and its pollutant trap,’’ she said.
“No existing parking spaces will be lost but the parking layout will change. A multi-storey carpark in that location will potentially prevent this significant environmental work.”
The former scout hall site was flagged as potential at-grade carpark but apartments are now under construction there.
Suggestions to liaise with Parramatta Council about providing parking on the opposite site of the train have also failed to come to fruition.
Transport for NSW is also investigating expanding The Kingsway Wentworthville carpark, which is rezoned to permit more height.
After Cr Lake’s objections were lost, the council will write to the government to express its support for the carpark at the Civic Park site.
The Civic Park masterplan is open for submissions. Have your say before June 15: Call 8757 9332, 8757 9000 or visit haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au