Plans for taller building at Riverside Theatres Parramatta

Plans are underway to fast track the redevelopment of a tired theatre complex in western Sydney. Read the latest on the $100 million major upgrade.

Plans for the redevelopment of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres could see it take a “moderate” increase in height and be approved faster with the State Government if the council votes to do so on Monday.

Parramatta Council has recommended the approval of the planning proposal, which seeks to increase the height of the building from 15m to 28m, be forwarded to the Planning Department.

A council report said the jump in height was “considered a modest increase particularly given the current theatre has building elements at 25m …’’

“The 28m height proposed is not out of context with existing controls in the precinct,’’ it said.

Under the plan to fast track the project, the council will request that it skips the public exhibition stage so it can be more efficient and not double up on the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, which already publicly exhibited controls for greater building heights.

A concept design for the Riverside Theatres looking southeast from the corner of Church and Market streets, Parramatta.

Accelerating the 34-year-old theatres’ redevelopment approval would take it a step closer to the council’s vision to make it the city’s revitalised arts and cultural precinct.

Under the proposal, the venue’s capacity would more than double and include a new 1350-seat lyric theatre, while the Riverside Playhouse would be refurbished and a drama theatre, digital studio and cinema would be added.

The council report described the venue as “not fit for purpose to serve the growing community”.

“The redevelopment of the Riverside Theatre to deliver a modernised and expanded performance space is an important infrastructure priority reflected in Council’s Cultural Plan.’’

Last year, the council announced that it would allocate $100 million used from the sale of the Riverbank carpark towards the theatres’ upgrade.

The multi-deck carpark on Phillip St was demolished to make way for the $915 million Powerhouse Museum.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis previously called for the state and federal governments to contribute to funds for the Riverside redevelopment.

In June, comedian Rob Shehadie called for the Riverside to rethink its entertainment program to appeal to a broader audience, just like the Enmore Theatre.

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