Parramatta Rd revamp: What area looks like after WestConnex

Can you beautify a 23km ‘scar’ through the heart of Sydney? The NSW Government is embarking on an ambitious plan to turn Parramatta Rd green. See the projects here

One of Sydney’s ugliest roads is undergoing a facelift to bring back pedestrians and turn the concrete corridor green.

Almost $200m in separate urban renewal projects are to transform Parramatta Rd as the state government looks to beautify the 23km stretch and its surrounding streets.

Residents along the eastern half of the arterial road, which stretches from Granville to Surry Hills, are celebrating the 30 per cent reduction in traffic following the opening of WestConnex’s new M4 Tunnels in July 2019.

An artist’s impression of a greener, pedestrian friendly Leichhardt precinct on Balmain Rd.

But businesses and planning experts believe there needs to be more parking and a light rail system – a move which would set motorists on a collision course with inner west residents.

“Parramatta Road has become a scar through the heart of Sydney – and we have

seized the opportunity to heal it,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.

“This investment of almost $200m will renew and revive the corridor and draw

people back into the area with new parks, footpaths and cycleways to create green,

usable and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.”

Parramatta Rd at Auburn after Cumberland Council’s revamp.

Parramatta Rd Auburb now.

Projects underway include $37.8m for Inner West and Cumberland Councils to add new cycleways, shared paths, trees, benches, lighting and public art.

Burwood Council gets $2.4m for three new cycleways. The state government has also given $42m for Canada Bay Council to redevelop Concord Oval, which will include a Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence.

Pine Inn Burwood manager Michael Bray says the new Concord Oval will bring better quality football “and attract more people to the area”.

“We’ve also noticed a significant decrease in traffic,” he said.

An artist’s impression of the new look Concord Oval.

A proposed shaded pedestrian zone on Renwick St between Parramatta Rd and Jarrett St in Leichhardt.

In March Franco and Luciana Graniero will celebrate 30 years operating Da Franco Restaurant, located 100m from the M4/Parramatta Rd intersection at Concord.

Surrounded by heavy traffic and empty shops, the couple are thankful trucks and some cars have been taken off the road.

“We need to make the footpaths more attractive as well as providing parking for people to attend businesses,” the 68-year-old Italian seafood specialist said.

“Until we have got that we are not going to be able to bring back the corner shop, the laundry mat and other businesses.”

Franco and Luciana Graniero and their granddaughter Alexiaat their restaurant on Parramatta Rd. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

The state government’s long term strategy for the road includes a kerbside rapid bus service, compared to a light rail option pushed by Canada Bay and Inner West councils.

Transport studies are expected to be completed this year to allow the Parramatta

Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy to be implemented.

“Narrowing the carriageway would not be popular as it would make it much harder for cars,” Wester Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger said.

“The big challenge is to make the western end of Parramatta Rd more attractive, given it has not seen the same reduction in traffic volumes as people try to avoid the tolls.”

Burwood Mayor John Faker said the way to improve the area is through “bike lanes, better public transport between suburbs – whether that be a light rail service or better bus operations”.

Originally published as Parramatta Rd revamp: What area looks like after WestConnex