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Parramatta CBD

The Parramatta CBD is located in the geographical heart of Sydney. It’s otherwise known as Sydney’s Central River City. The precinct is undergoing significant growth and revitalisation.
 

Transforming the Central River City
 

Jobs in the Parramatta CBD are forecast to grow from 51,000 in 2016 to 95,000 in 2036. Job and housing growth in the Parramatta CBD will lead to an increase in its social and economic prosperity. $20 billion is being invested citywide in buildings and infrastructure over the next five years.
Key projects include:

  • Parramatta Square
  • Parramatta Civic Link 
  • Powerhouse Precinct featuring the new Powerhouse Museum
  • A world-class upgrade to Riverside Theatres along a revitalised river foreshore
  • The newly opened Bankwest Stadium 
  • Multiple residential towers.
Architects rendering of what the City of Parramatta CBD skyline will look like once all current Development Applications and Design Competitions are awarded.

Planning For Growth In Parramatta CBD

To manage the significant growth and changes in the CBD, the City of Parramatta Council prepared a Planning Proposal to amend the planning controls for the CBD in the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 (PLEP 2011).

The purposes of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal include:

  • Expand to intensify its commercial core, which will position Parramatta as a dual CBD
  • Bring vibrancy to the CBD through higher density mixed-use developments that surround the commercial core.
  • Protect key elements that make the City liveable, such as natural light and accessible public spaces, and encouraging sustainable design and revitalised streets. 
Architects rendering of the new Museum of Arts And Applied Sciences within the Parramatta Powerhouse precinct.

Transport in Parramatta CBD

Parramatta CBD is well-connected by public transport.

Council runs the free Parramatta Shuttle Bus that connects tourists, residents and commuters to the commercial, retail and recreational landmarks of the city. Trains, buses and ferries connect the Parramatta CBD with Sydney CBD and the wider metropolitan area. 

Stage One of the Parramatta Light Rail project will run 12km and connect Parramatta CBD to Westmead and Carlingford. Stage One will be operational in 2023. 

The Parramatta Wharf upgrade will improve commuter and visitor experience for those arriving and leaving the precinct via the Parramatta River. 

The Parramatta CBD is also well-connected to major arterials, including the M4 Motorway, Great Western Highway, Windsor Road, Pennant Hills Road and James Ruse Drive. 

Architects rendering of the new Parramatta light rail. A carriage makes its way down Macquarie Street bound for Olympic Park

More Information

More Information

For more information about the Parramatta CBD Planning Strategy and Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal, visit Council’s website. 

City of Parramatta Council Transport Planning

The Powerhouse Precinct and Museum

A new Museum of Arts and Applied Sciences will open on the river foreshore in Parramatta in 2025 as the new centre of arts, culture and innovation. It includes the newly relocated museum and a revamped Riverside Theatres.

Civic Link

The City of Parramatta Council has a long-term aspiration to create the Civic Link, a bold, city-shaping project which will deliver a new pedestrian connection across four blocks in the CBD between Parramatta Square and the River.

Parramatta Square

The Parramatta Square development comprises six new buildings and a refurbished town hall in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. It's set across a prime three-hectare city block and linked by 6000 square metres of public space. It will bring investment opportunities to the area as people meet, trade, shop, dine, learn, celebrate and connect at Parramatta Square. 
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 ©2024 City of Parramatta Council / ABN: 49907174773

City of Parramatta Council acknowledges the Dharug people who are the traditional custodians of the land of Parramatta. Council pays respect to the elders past and present of the Dharug nation and extends that respect to other Aboriginal people visiting this site.