Public feedback period for Parramatta Riverside Theatres’ redevelopment ends

A hotel and pop-up theatre are suggestions that have surfaced ahead of the multimillion redevelopment of Parramatta’s theatre. See how the ideas were received.

Parramatta Riverside Theatres’ redevelopment has almost reached final approval.

The curtains have almost drawn completely on the planning stage of Parramatta Riverside Theatres’ redevelopment with the public’s suggestions being tabled.

Thirty-one submissions have been listed in a report to Parramatta Council following the exhibition period from December to February when the community was invited to have its say on the overhaul.

A hotel to be built as part of the theatre was one suggestion, with the submission stating how the accommodation could be a funding stream to the theatre and subsidise operational costs.

But council officers rejected the idea, saying it would mean the overall redevelopment would have to increase its height. The redevelopment will mean the height is increasing from 15m to 28m.

Another submission suggesting temporary sites to be used as pop-up theatres so performances can continue when construction is under way was also dismissed because it was out of scope with the planning proposal.

A concept design of the Riverside Theatres.

However, it could be considered under a separate business case in the project’s design and development phase.

Insufficient carparking for theatregoers and lack of detailed flood protection measures for the site were also raised.

But council officers have said public transport serviced the theatre well and a detailed carpark design would be prepared later.

The proposal is not expected to generate greater flood risk compared to the existing level of flood risk on the subject site.

The council has considered the redevelopment of the Riverside Theatre as a key cultural project since 2018 and will discuss the planning proposal at its Monday night meeting.

If the chamber supports the project, it will forward it to the Planning Department for finalisation.

Theatregoers in the courtyard.

The 35-year-old theatre’s redevelopment was boosted early this month when the state government pledged $40m for its revamp.

The cash injection will allow it to host big-ticket musicals and blockbuster shows.

The council plans to use $100m from the sale of the multi-deck Riverbank carpark at Parramatta 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.

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.