Riverside Theatres Parramatta to be redeveloped

Parramatta Riverside Theatres will transform into a revitalised cultural centrepiece with three performance spaces, cinemas and multipurpose areas to attract international artists.

The long-awaited expansion and upgrade of Parramatta Riverside Theatres is gathering pace after the council approved steps to design the cultural landmark which could include a 1250-seat commercial venue.

Parramatta Council plans to allocate $100 million used from the sale of the Riverside carpark towards an overhaul of the 33-year-old theatre.

The Riverside carpark at Phillip St has been demolished to make way for the $915 million Powerhouse Museum.

The Riverside Theatres has just one venue for large productions but under the reimagined design, there will be three theatres, cinemas and multipurpose spaces to attract international artists.

If approved, the theatre will house a 1250-seat commercial theatre, a black box theatre to host smaller productions with capacity for 340 spectators, a 60-seat development studio and screening room and the Riverside Theatre will be converted into the Riverside Playhouse housing up to 700 patrons.

There will also be two small cinemas to host events such as film festivals and four multi-use spaces to be used for rehearsals and storage.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said the plans would reinvigorate the theatres.

“Riverside Theatres is the heart and soul of performance culture in western Sydney and for more than 30 years has attracted some of the world’s best artists, nurtured local talent and showcased the diverse and vibrant stories of Sydney’s Central River City,” he said.

A previous artist impression of the the council’s vision for the Parramatta Riverside Theatres. Work to submit new designs is under way.

“Our vision is that Riverside Theatres will become the centrepiece of Parramatta’s revitalised arts and culture precinct: a hub of performance excellence that attracts talent and investment, complements the Powerhouse Parramatta, and welcomes the whole community.”

Riverside Theatres’ incoming director Craig McMaster said the redevelopment would create a legacy.

“We are creating a centre for living culture and aspire to make the theatres accessible and inclusive for all,” Mr McMaster said.

Riverside Theatres at Parramatta will undergo a significant transformation.

“The performing arts in western Sydney have been growing significantly over the past 30 years and we need a world-class space that will nurture local culture, support performance development, and provide the capacity needed for the growing Central River City.”

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger expressed his excitment about the redevelopment.

“The redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres is the opportunity to bring Broadway to Parramatta with the scale and capacity to support international musicals and entertainment,’’ he said.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to see smash-hit musicals like Hamilton in my own city rather than the pilgrimage to the theatres in the Sydney CBD.

“A reinvigorated Riverside Theatres will be a boon to the Parramatta night time economy and support the resurgence of Parramatta’s Eat Street.’’

Cr Dwyer said the council would work with the government and private sectors to breathe new life into the Riverside Theatres.

The council plans to present a redevelopment scheme, budget and operating model for endorsement early next year.

Before Covid, the theatre drew 200,000 patrons to up to 1000 performances each year.

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