Project to connect western side of Parramatta River to CBD with bridges, paths

It’s where throngs of spectators flock to on their way to CommBank Stadium and now the spotlight has been shone on sprucing up an overlooked part of the Parramatta River – which draws millions of cyclists and pedestrians a year.

Parramatta River draws two million cyclists each year.

A $28.3m project will transform the western precinct of the Parramatta River, which – despite being a major thoroughfare to the CBD’s landmarks – has been overlooked.

Parramatta Council and the state government plan to revitalise the western river precinct between Marsden and O’Connell streets in the CBD in an effort to connect the river foreshore to Parramatta Park, CommBank Stadium, the Riverside Theatres and the Powerhouse Museum.

Draft designs, which are now on public exhibition, include a new walking and cycling bridge, southern foreshore boardwalk that links Parramatta Park to the CBD, an upgraded east-west pathway along the northern foreshore and a new foreshore-to-street link between Jeffery House and the river.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the project would connect critical missing pedestrian and cycling links along the river to improve the way residents, workers and visitors experienced the waterway.

“We’re unlocking our river foreshore as part of our global vision to create a river city that is connected and accessible for everyone in our community,” Mr Zaiter said.

Paths would be added to flank the river as well as bridges.

“Our city is growing and with more than two million people walking or cycling along the river foreshore each year, it’s critical we invest in projects like the western river precinct connections that build safer and more accessible connections for pedestrians and cyclists.’’

The revamp follows the opening of the Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout, the Escarpment Boardwalk, the Charles Street Square and Alfred Street Bridge over the past four years.

A bridge leading to the Old King’s School at Parramatta.

Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis said the precinct would deliver the missing link between Parramatta Park and the CBD.

“Well designed pathways in and around the city help our growing population get from A to B while also opening up the Parramatta River foreshore for more people to enjoy,’’ she said.

Feedback can be submitted on the council’s Participate Parramatta page by 5pm on September 12.

The council and government are funding the project under the NSW Government’s western Sydney infrastructure grants program.

Originally published as Project to connect western side of Parramatta River to CBD with bridges, paths