Expressions of interest for the expansion of the Parramatta legal and justice precinct coalition

The Parramatta Legal and Justice Precinct could attract 2,200 more jobs by 2036 with further investment, further cementing Parramatta’s position as the geographic heart of Sydney.

The primary purpose of the Parramatta Legal and Justice Expansion Coalition is to undertake activities to advocate and promote for an expanded legal and justice precinct in Parramatta. It is to be the centralised point of advocating for the expansion and a permanent presence of the Supreme Court of NSW in Parramatta. It is to be made up of relevant and interested stakeholders who see the value of the expansion to Parramatta’s economy and access to justice services for the people of Western Sydney.

The Coalition will advocate to the state government and relevant stakeholders for:

1. The physical expansion of the Parramatta Justice Precinct to support the development of Parramatta as a significant legal centre for New South Wales;
2. A permanent Supreme Court presence in Parramatta (through the attachment of multiple justices to the existing Supreme Court circuit);
3. The development of a law school within the Parramatta CBD to support talent pool development and retention in the City; and
4. The development of a legal innovation start-up incubator in the Parramatta CBD.

City of Parramatta's role in the Coalition

Council will automatically be a member of the Coalition and interim Chair at the inaugural meeting. Council until the Coalition Chair is elected.

Council will act as Secretariat for the Coalition and work with the Chair as a centralised touch point for the Coalition. Council will co-ordinate meetings, provide information and regular updates to the Coalition and Supporters of the Coalition.

Council will use its channels of communication such as media releases, Parramatta Business Newsletter to promote activities of the Coalition.

Benefits for becoming a member

The benefits of becoming a member of the Coalition is that you get to participate in the framing and shaping of the Expansion of the Parramatta Legal and Justice Precinct. The Coalition aims to conduct high-level advocacy for this expansion which will add to job growth, greater education and innovation opportunities in the legal sector and greater access to justice services for the community.

EOI Selection Criteria

• Must be a member of a peak body in the legal sector or a law firm or deliver business that provides services to legal and justice sector; or a business representative of Parramatta business community;
• Universities and other relevant education institutions such as The College of Law to establish tertiary education and courses based in Parramatta; and
• Organisations or businesses that can assist with the establishment of a legal innovation hub.

Those applicants who have expressed interest but who are not admitted to the Coalition will form a list of registered stakeholders. These stakeholders will be kept up-to-date with developments and activities of the Coalition. Applications can be accepted from an individual representing an organisation, body or firm. The selected organisation can nominate representatives to attend meetings and the membership counts as the organisation and not the individual.

Dan Mahoney Reserve

Dan Mahoney Reserve in North Parramatta provides city slickers with a perfect pet-friendly escape that caters to animal lovers and their companions. The park features a fenced off-leash area as well as a much-needed drinking station for your furry friend. The added seating for owners to catch their breath make this park an instant hit with dogs and humans alike. 

Pierre De Coubertin park

Pierre De Coubertin park at Newington has a large off leash dog park right next to a new upgraded fun and functional playground with shade sails, soft fall and toilets to boot. In terms of features, the playground has built-in trampolines, a racetrack, a spinning roundabout, 2 slides, swings and extensive climbing equipment.

Alternatively, if you are in the suburbs, you can check out these  off-leash dog parks: McCoy Park or Barnett Park (both in Winston Hills); Cowells Lane Reserve or George Kendall Riverside Park (both in Ermington); Burlington Memorial Park (Northmead); Don Moore Reserve (North Rocks), Deakin Park (Silverwater) and McCoy Park (Toongabbie).

Dog-ustation Menu

If you're looking for a snack while spending the day with your fur baby, check out these pet-friendly cafes and restaurants.

Spend an afternoon in the beer garden of the Albion Hotel while listening to some smooth tunes and enjoying a cold beer with your pooch beside you enjoying too. Look out for their special dog celebrations.

Social Hideout features lots of outdoor seating and the wait-staff adore animals. In fact, ask them nicely and they’ll happily bring out some water in a bowl for your fluff-ball. Bone-Appetit!

Parramatta Park is a great dog friendly park where on-leash dogs can enjoy the loop with their owners and then enjoy a well-rested break with your well exercised pooch at Georgie Boy café. Hungry humans line up for the all-day breakfast and delicious “Cake Shakes” at this cosy café. But pets will be pleased to hear that they are also welcome.

Spend an afternoon by the river as the warm and wonderful staff at the River Cafe play host to you and your pooch.

This waterfront precinct has plenty of outdoor seating so you can bask in the morning sun while enjoying the delightful breakfast and lunch items on offer. If the allowance of puppies isn't enough to entice you, we're certain the kid-friendly menu will prove the clincher.

Re-tail Therapy

If your pet has been purr-fectly well behaved, we suggest treating them to a little something special at Pet Barn (563 Church Street North Parramatta) or PetO (6 Windsor Road, Northmead). As well as grooming, DIY dog washing and pet-sitting services, you’d be barking mad not to stock up on pet food, toys and accessories.

Trouble in Pet Paradise?

If you’ve hit ruff patch with your pet’s health, The Parramatta Veterinary Hospital (100 Grose St Parramatta) is available to assist in any animal emergencies. It includes a surgical theatre, grooming salon, doggy day care and boarding facilities for both cats and dogs.
 

Big Tree House Cafe

Start your food journey at Rydalmere’s Big Tree House Café for a funky food fix, with its great coffee, all-day breakfast (including excellent corn fritters and ricotta hotcakes!) and family-friendly service. 

88 Calder Rd, Rydalmere | 8626 9007 | Facebook

Temasek

For lunch, head to the iconic Temasek, serving authentic laksa since it opened its doors to hungry locals in 1992. Choose from prawns, chicken or be brave and go with both. The rest of the Singaporean and Malaysian menu is brimming with classics like beef rendang, the Chinese-inspired dish of Hainanese chicken or the $ 13-weekday lunch option. 

71 George Street, Parramatta | 9633 9926 | contact@temasekrestaurant.com | Facebook 

Lao Der Thai

Experience authentic Lao and Northern Thai cuisine at Lao Der, featuring family recipes passed down from generations that focus on fresh ingredients and regional spices such as coriander, kaffir lime and lemongrass. 

536 Church Street, Parramatta | 0449 530 195 | Facebook

Pho Pasteur

Mr and Mrs Pham came to Australia as refugees from Vietnam and opened their much-beloved restaurant Pho Pasteur in 1992 to share the flavours of their culture. Their menu features the staple of beef pho, but also plenty of traditional provincial dishes and a handful of vegan and vegetarian options. 

137 Church Street Parramatta  

Meat & Wine Co

Taking Parramatta’s food scene by storm is the sleek and modern Meat & Wine Co, which has gained fans with its sophisticated fit-out, its diverse wine menu and a touch of African inspiration on the menu. 

7/330 Church St, Parramatta | 8629 8808 | Facebook | Instagram

Lachlan's Old Government House

Step back in time at Lachlan’s Old Government House in Parramatta Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building that makes a jaw-dropping destination for special events, including weddings, anniversaries and high teas. 

Old Government House,  Parramatta Park | 9687 2666 | Facebook 

Where can you find escape rooms in Parramatta?

In Parramatta, there are three different escape rooms for you to visit. Make a team with your friends, family, or work colleagues and find out if you have what it takes to escape in time!

Labyrinth Escape Rooms

Labyrinth Escape Rooms were the first real-life escape room in Parramatta. They’re located just north of the Parramatta River on Victoria Road near Prince Alfred Square.

They have a variety of themed escape rooms for you to choose from that change regularly. You can visit their website to see what escape rooms are currently available and pick one that sounds exciting. Some scenarios have the goal of a classic ‘whodunnit’ mystery, while others require an elaborate escape from a deadly situation! Which one will you pick - and will you make it out in time?

Scram Escape Rooms on Church Street

There are two locations for Scram Escape Rooms in Parramatta. One is on Church Street, and the other is in the Parramatta Business Centre. There are different escape rooms at each location, so check out the scenarios on their website and head to the right location to complete the challenge.  

With the goal of immersing you in a world of mischief and mayhem, you’re guaranteed an hour full of thrills and excitement. 

Escape rooms vary from two to eight players, so pick a scenario that fits your group size. If you have a group bigger than the recommended size, call up Scram Escape Rooms, and they can try to accommodate or book you in for multiple rooms. There are also age guides to help you figure out which ones are more family-friendly and suitable for children so everyone can enjoy the challenge.

Be prepared to play and stay

Little people are bound to enjoy Ollie Webb Reserve, the park features multiple play spaces guaranteed to put a smile on that dial. From tunnels perfect for secret hideouts to embankment slides and swings, the park has something for all kids big and small.

The park features:

• 3 bay swings
• Trampolines
• Multiple slides
• Water play
• Sandpit
• Music chimes
• Creek channel play

For slightly bigger kids, the spiral slide is the ultimate reward once they reach the top of the tower. In warmer months, the water play park is the ultimate cool down activity with sprinklers galore.

The park also features barbeque and picnic facilities for celebrating life’s milestones, birthday celebrations or a weekend grill. The shade cloth covering the play area comes is welcoming feature in summer.

Other Ollie Webb Reserve facilities include:

• Amenities building
• Public toilets
• Drinking fountains
• District inclusive play space and water play
• Circuit path
• Barbecue and picnic facilities
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Accessible toilet
• Adult change facility with hoist and adjustable change table

To chase waterfalls

If North Rocks and Carlingford need a starting point, it's in the bushland in Hunts Creek Reserve. The short bushwalk is located on the urban periphery of the two neighbouring suburbs and is where locals go to appreciate the natural beauty of their surrounds.

Hunts Creek Reserve is crisscrossed with walks and cycleways that all lead to the pretty waterfall, where you can sit and watch the water rushing over the rocks. This slice of rugged bushland transports visitors back to a time when the landscape was untouched and scattered with the rock formations North Rocks was named after.

While North Rocks is no longer a sea of sandstone, there are still places where you will find these rock formations, scattered like giant pebbles on the landscape. If you're after an off-leash area, head to Don Moore Reserve in North Rocks.

For some retail therapy

The North Rocks Shopping Centre run community events and school holiday programs. Additionally with Carlingford Court Shopping Centre just down the road, if you’re partial to the call of the mall you can enjoy shopping locally for your essentials, avoiding the weekend crowds of major shopping hubs.

If community markets are more your style, pop into NextSense at 361-365 North Rocks Road every Sunday from 7am, where artisan goods, collectables, food and plants are available to peruse.

To sink a putt

If you have a keen golfer in the family, another green space North Rocks calls home is the fairway at Muirfield Golf Club. Members and their guests can chip, drive and putt their way around this 18-hole Group 1 golf course that’s been part of North Rocks community since the post-war years. Enjoy the bar and bistro and function room in the clubhouse, social competitions, a friendly atmosphere and a welcome for golfers of all levels.

To get together under one roof

RASHAYS is the North Rocks rendition of a family-friendly franchise that is hugely popular with families celebrating a special occasion with a shared feast of pasta and pizza. The unpretentious restaurant sits in a humble strip of suburban shops at the North Rocks Shopping Centre where you will also find everyone from local school mums catching up for coffee at Café Dodici to gym junkies enjoying a guilt-free bowl of smoked salmon and kale post-workout at Pronto Rocks Café.

To go places

North Rocks and Carlingford are not only liveable, community-oriented and filled with rich history and green spaces, they’re accessible too. With North Rocks home to the Barclay Road bus interchange on the M2 for commuters to the Sydney CBD, Blacktown, Macquarie Park, Rouse Hill and Norwest Business Park, and with Carlingford home to the terminus station of T6 train services, an entrance to the M2 motorway and soon to be even more connected with the development of the Parramatta Light Rail, your options for exploring Sydney and its surrounds are endless

Parks and Playgrounds

George Kendell Park

Ermington is home to no fewer than twelve parks. Given the population is just 10,000, that means there's space a-plenty for everybody. The biggest is George Kendall Riverside Park, whose 27.2 glorious hectares front onto the Parramatta River's north bank. It's easy to spend an afternoon wandering among Sydney peppermint trees, myrtle wattle and kangaroo grass, looking out for kookaburras, herons and butcherbirds. There are BBQs, picnic tables, a children's playground, sporting fields and a cricket pitch, too. 

Halvorsen Park

To the west, George Kendall Riverside Park connects with the Ermington Foreshore, which, in April 2017, became open to the public, having spent many years as naval property. The 500-metre stretch is a picturesque oasis of cabbage palms, Sydney red gums, turf lawns, public artworks and picnic shelters. Adjacent to it is Halvorsen Park, where there's a magical children's playground, featuring a sandstone boat, a wooden bridge suspended by shipping rope and a four-peaked climbing frame.

Walking and Cycling

By far the most fun way to travel around Ermington is by human power, be that on foot or by bicycle. The Ermington Bay Nature Trail connects George Kendall Riverside Park with Wharf Road, enabling walkers and cyclists to explore a tidal mangrove ecosystem and soak up expansive river views. Keen beans can lengthen their adventure by journeying further west, along the Ermington Foreshore, then onto Rydalmere Wharf, or by crossing Silverwater Bridge to investigate Blaxland Riverside Park, Newington Armory and Sydney Olympic Park. Bicycle hire is available from 1 Jamieson Street, Silverwater, within Blaxland Riverside Park.

Eating and Drinking

Ace's Seafood

There's a bunch of eateries and cafes to try in the town centre. Ace's Seafood, a family-owned business, has been serving up high-quality seafood for more than a decade. Their fish is handpicked at Sydney Fish Markets at the crack of dawn, then transformed into delicious eats. Visitors with time on their side should settle in for a decadent signature dish, such as the oven-baked lobster or the gourmet hotpot.

2 Betty Cuthbert Avenue, Ermington | 9684 5555 | Facebook | Instagram

Burgers on Broadway

Another casual option is Burgers On Broadway, where the beef patties are house-made and matched with tempting ingredients, such as caramelised onion, special sauces and tomato relish.

6 Betty Cuthbert Avenue, Ermington | 9898 1358 | Facebook

TaLee Thai

Meanwhile, the best Thai in town is at TaLee Thai. The varied yet affordable menu includes classics, like Massaman curry and basil stir fry, as well as more exotic creations, such as roasted duck curry with lychees and pineapple, and king prawns with chilli, lime, mint and lemongrass. Lunch specials are just $10.

1/700 Victoria Road, Ermington |  9804 1666 | Facebook

Green spaces

With more than 350 beautiful and diverse parks and sports grounds for residents, visitors and workers to enjoy, the City of Parramatta values its green space. It’s the City’s role to ensure growth doesn’t outpace social infrastructure, balancing the needs of the community with a plan that's sustainable and liveable for all.
 

CommBank Stadium

Since its opening in April 2019, CommBank Stadium has cemented itself as Sydney’s new home of entertainment and sport. The 30,000-seat venue is attracting a new, ongoing wave of visitors to Parramatta – all of whom are spending money.

Research commissioned by the City of Parramatta Council in 2019 found that CommBank Stadium injects $1 million into the local economy every time a major event is held there. The stadium has played a major role in shaping positive perceptions not only of the stadium itself but of Parramatta as a leisure and recreation destination.

Civic Link

Parramatta’s new Civic Link will be a vibrant linear park that connects and activates the City. The new 500-metre-long and 20-metre-wide green centre will be both a physical and symbolic connection between Parramatta Square and River Square and will come alive as a public play and performance space by day and night.

Green spaces

Originally sketched as part of the Parramatta City Centre Lanes Policy in 2010, the Civic Link will emerge as a sequence of shady green spaces through the City. Designed for comfort and climate, the Civic Link will be lined with large trees – providing shady refuge from the summer heat and sunny spaces in winter.

A space for people

Civic Link is a space for people first and foremost and will improve pedestrian and cycle connections to the existing network of streets, public places and transport offered throughout the CBD. Framed by high-quality architecture, and a vibrant laneway network, it will become a destination in its own right, drawing people towards the new Powerhouse Precinct, River Square, Parramatta Square and the Roxy Theatre.

Arts and culture ecosystem

Civic Link will also provide a canvas for visual arts, lights, music and festivals while welcoming people of all ages and abilities to celebrate city life. This will foster a new arts and culture ecosystem within the City, with spaces for new local businesses, small bars, collaborative workspaces and creative industries along the Civic Link’s spine.

A gathering place

Key destinations within the Civic Link include the River Link, with its landscaped entrance to the Powerhouse Precinct, and City Play for families with children of all ages. City Stage will provide a gathering place for cultural events and attractions while Smart Hub will offer flexible places to meet, work, share and learn. Civic Place marks the entry point to Civic Link and is part of the first stage delivered with Parramatta Square.

Growing room

The Civic Link plays an important role in realising Sydney’s Central City vision. With Parramatta transforming at an unprecedented rate, pedestrian foot traffic is estimated to quadruple in the CBD by 2036. The City of Parramatta is planning for this growth, enabling locals and visitors to interact in different ways with the City’s CBD diverse destinations. It complements the liveliness of Church Street and responds to the heritage of George Street and its surrounds. 

Liveable and connected City

Civic Link will set the tone for Parramatta’s future as a highly liveable and connected City, and act as a catalyst for further urban renewal in the diverse commercial and civic spaces along its spine. This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring Parramatta to life in creative and dynamic new ways.
 

Escarpment Boardwalk

As one of the first projects to be built as part of the City River Strategy, the Escarpment Boardwalk opened in 2021, completing one of the last remaining links on the Parramatta Valley Cycleway. A high-quality river-level connection on the northern foreshore, under the Gasworks Bridge to Charles Street Weir.

Pedestrian access is available from the Boardwalk to both Stewart Street and Macarthur Street via new public stairs. With accessibility and the quality of the experience front of mind, the Boardwalk provides a serene pathway with river views for locals and visitors to enjoy.
 

Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS)

The Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) is relocating to the banks of the river – right at the core of our Central City. Destined to be a key attraction on the City River, the new Powerhouse Precinct will inspire local and international visitors by showcasing the wonders of technology, engineering, science and design, and their impact on Australia and the world. 
 

Revitalising Parramatta’s river foreshore

As a cornerstone of the City’s history, the river acts as a connecting force and a community focal point for people to come together and celebrate all the City has to offer. The green banks of the river hum with activity and unite neighbourhoods through food, art, and learning. Parramatta’s City River Strategy honours the importance of the river, and is guiding investment to ensure locals and visitors have the best possible river experience for decades to come.

Complementing the NSW Government’s upgrade of Parramatta Wharf, Charles Street Square will create a memorable experience at one of the key gateways to the City. It prioritises accessible public space and provides an impressive ferry arrival. Blending architectural intelligence with the natural world, Charles Street Square will become a great place to meet and gather while providing generous and easy access to the river foreshore for pedestrians and cyclists.

Also in the works is The Lennox, and the redevelopment of the iconic Riverside Theatres – together, they will create an exciting urban and cultural epicentre in the geographic heart of Sydney. With substantial investment and thoughtful design, the banks of the Parramatta River will continue to flourish as a symbol of the City’s cultural and historic identity. 
 

Retail

Iconic retailers and home-grown success stories have the opportunity to capture a greater share of the retail wallet by creating vibrant new retail experiences, while Parramatta’s diverse and vibrant culture will draw shoppers from all parts of Greater Sydney.

As a $1.3 billion sector with over 10,000 employees in 2017/18, retail has always been central to Parramatta’s success. The relocation of the Powerhouse Precinct alone is expected to bring an additional 1 million visitors per year, on top of the 1.295 million people already visiting Parramatta.

With infrastructure investments such as the Civic Link and Parramatta Light Rail, and the rapid growth of high-rise residential living in the City, increased foot traffic will likely see retail spend continue to soar.
 

Night Time Economy

This is an exciting time for the City of Parramatta. We are experiencing an unprecedented level of resident, worker, student and visitor population growth and a record level of investment into Sydney’s Central City. While we are already the second-largest night-time economy by turnover in Greater Sydney and third-largest in New South Wales, there is still more to do to ensure long-term prosperity and continued investment in our night-time economy.

The Parramatta Night City Framework is here to lay the foundations to transition our CBD into a true 24-hour centre, supplemented with later trading and town centres with a greater mix of things to see, do and explore, meeting the emerging and future needs of our communities. 
 

Sydney Olympic Park

Built to host the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park has maintained its legacy as an entertainment epicentre. This sprawling precinct hosts large-scale events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, State of Origin, and international sporting fixtures.

Sydney Olympic Park is vast and versatile in equal measure, attracting patrons for music festivals, concerts and conferences, as well as prominent tournaments like the Sydney International. The precinct also holds a special place in the heart of Sydney’s sports fans as home turf for sporting teams across four codes of football.
 

City of Parramatta offers a Research & Collection Service which manages, preserves and documents the history of our local government area and the people, places, art, events, and natural and built environments which have contributed to the rich history of Parramatta’s communities.

Curious about the heritage of your house? Interested in finding out more about your family history? Need help with researching Parramatta’s Indigenous, colonial and multicultural past? 

Pop into the Parramatta Library at PHIVE or contact one of our specialists via the online enquiry form.