Planning panel to decide on $12m Parramatta Square CBD entertainment precinct

A multimillion-dollar vision to transform the streetscape of Parramatta CBD into a bustling entertainment and festival venue has been delayed until June.

Artist impressions of the Parramatta Square Civic Link development, which will use smart city technology to bring itself to life.

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A determination on a multimillion-dollar vision to transform the streetscape of the Parramatta CBD into a bustling entertainment and festival venue has been delayed until June.

The $12 million Parramatta Square public domain development proposal was scheduled to go before the Sydney Central City planning panel on May 8 — proposing the development of more than 3,500sq m of public space — but has been cancelled.

Artist impressions of the Parramatta Square Civic Link development, proposing to transform the CBD into a bustling festival and events precinct.

Planners for the developer, Walker Parramatta Square Developments, said Parramatta Square will be the largest and most urban public space in the Parramatta CBD, with the proposed development providing “substantive improvements to the public domain”.

“The Parramatta Square Public Domain is designed to provide an urban space for city residents, a lunchtime space for office workers to meet and mingle, a forecourt and public space for university students, and a focus for community gatherings and events,” A Walker Developments spokesman said in the application to the planning panel.

“It is also designed as being an entertainment venue and focal point for large events and festivals.”

It will showcase event and markets.

Extensive community consultation resulted in the development application’s concept design including an interactive ‘digital carpet’, which will allow the use if new technology at the entrance to council’s proposed civic and community centres.

The application also earmarks the use of holograms and “spectacular lighting displays” as well as public art installations and a series of billabongs at the heart of the space.

Plans for event space to allow markets, citizenship ceremonies, graduation ceremonies and festivals were also included in the plans.

Parramatta Civic Link The Civic Link would provide one straight footpath from the redeveloped Parramatta Square to the riverfront. Credit: Parramatta City Council

Development surrounding Parramatta Square has not come without controversy — after it was revealed Parramatta Mission, a not-for-profit organisation that helps feed and comfort the homeless and victims of domestic violence, would have some of its land seized for a green civic link.

In February, Parramatta Council approved a Civic Link Framework Plan which aimed to provide a “green spine” to Parramatta Square from the Parramatta River.

David Richardson pictured at Parramatta Mission which is being threatened by the construction next door. Plans are being discussed to demolish the building to make way for a footpath. Picture: Richard Dobson

Under the council’s plans to create the Civic Link, a walkway extending from Parramatta Railway Station to Parramatta River, with the mission losing 6.5m of land near its Leigh Memorial Church on Macquarie Street — expecting to cost the mission $30 million in losses.

“The Civic Link will be a green, pedestrianised public space and cultural spine that connects public life from the heart of Parramatta CBD to the River,” the council framework document said.

The Roxy will be redeveloped and open on the Parramatta Civic Link.

“It will respond to the environmental challenges of an urban, river city; as well to the City’s rich and vibrant history, expressive of and welcoming to people and place, past, present and future.”

A City of Parramatta spokeswoman said the draft Civic Link development control plans will only come into effect if the landowner, including Parramatta Mission, chooses to redevelop their site.

“Council has no intention of closing down the Mission’s food services, taking the Mission’s land or preventing them from building on their site,” the spokeswoman said.

“City of Parramatta Council recognises the valuable role that Parramatta Mission plays in our community and wants to assure all those who use and rely on the Mission’s services that it is committed to working with the Mission so it can continue providing support to the community before, during and after the development of the Civic Link.”