Discover Sydney's Little India 

With more than 20 eateries and shops selling everything from colourful saris and glittering arm bangles, to Indian spices that will transport you straight to Mumbai, Harris Park is a little slice of India in Western Sydney.

Savour the flavours of the Subcontinent with a stroll along Wigram Street, home to more than 20 eateries that line the road dubbed Sydney's Little India

Draft Westmead Place Strategy

Under the ambitious plans, the Westmead Precinct and the Parramatta CBD will play a strategic role at the core of the Central City District, connecting with the Harbour CBD to the east and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis to the west.

More than $8 billion will be invested in Parramatta’s next-door neighbour, including the government’s outlay in a Metro West station, light rail, University of Sydney campus, and Australia’s largest health precinct, supporting the influx of residents and 50,000 workers by 2036.

The NSW Government has identified Westmead as a precinct that can deliver sustainable economic growth and job creation with a strong focus on health care, medical research, education and training. It is already a hub for health services including Westmead Hospital, which is currently undergoing a $1 billion redevelopment.

As well as a place to work it will be a place to live and enjoy leisure activities with enhanced heritage and environmental assets, activated places, connected communities and housing choices.

The Central River City's role

As well as the specific focus on Westmead, the NSW Government sees greater Parramatta having a significant role in shaping the NSW economy centred on not only health, education, and research but also finance, business services and administration.

Future vision

The Draft Westmead Place Strategy identifies five big ideas that will enable the transformation from what is in place now, to the vision of what it will become by 2036.

• Drive change in the innovation eco-system to accelerate delivery of Australia’s premier health and innovation district. 
• Cherish and protect places of significance, conserve and revitalise heritage and cultural assets to create exceptional places. 
• Activate and connect our community with vibrant, diverse and well-connected public spaces and places. 
• Deliver high-quality and diverse housing for students, workers and professionals with optimal liveability outcomes.
• Capitalise on transport connectivity and reduce car dependency.

Health

Under the Government’s Place Strategy, by 2036 the existing research and health facilities will attract even more researchers, clinicians and academics to the Westmead health precinct, which encompasses Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Cumberland Hospital, Westmead Private Hospital, the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Kids Research Institute, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University.

Much of this work is already underway. In mid-2020, the construction of Westmead Hospital’s central acute service building was completed, housing 300 rooms and two emergency departments. The 14-storey building is the centrepiece of the $1 billion redevelopment and, once fully operational, will also house digital operating theatres, education, research and training facilities.

There has also been $619 million earmarked for stage two of The Children’s Hospital.

Education and research

The University of Sydney and the State Government have revealed plans to open a campus in the Westmead Health and Innovative District, on the grounds of the historic Cumberland Hospital site. The university expects to attract more than 25,000 students and 2,500 staff by 2055 and provide affordable student and staff accommodation.

Western Sydney University is developing a $350 million Innovative Quarter research and development centre, known as iQ. This new health research and commercial precinct in the heart of Westmead brings g the University’s total investment in Westmead to $700 million. It will become the home for Western Sydney University’s world-leading research institutes – the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, the Translational Health Research Institute, and the NICM Health Research Institute.

The CSIRO will also be a tenant of iQ bringing world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs. The new precinct will also accommodate the commercial sector with new A-Grade office space in the same complex, and is expected to generate 1,000 jobs.

Startup businesses in Parramatta will also benefit from the Westmead Innovation Hub. The NSW Government has recently announced it will establish a startup hub in the Parramatta North Heritage Core.

Retail, hotel and residential

Within iQ there will be an area dedicated to retail and dining with a curated selection of proposed cafés, restaurants, bars, and take-away food stores.

To work alongside the new health and education facilities, developers plan to build a 14-storey retail and residential complex at West Grove. It will include a 100-room Travelodge hotel.

In addition to the 100-room Travelodge Hotel, West Grove incorporates commercial space for healthcare businesses, specialists, and co-working providers; and a Woolworths metro-style fresh food supermarket, a hawker style food court, a tavern, courtyard cafes, and specialist retail.

It will also include more than 100 car spaces, along with end-of-trip facilities and electric vehicle charging stations.

The opening of West Grove is scheduled for late 2022, with the Travelodge Hotel opening early 2023.

The Government’s Draft Westmead Place Strategy also proposes to encourage an array of housing choices that include affordable options to meet the housing needs of the future community.

Transport

Westmead will be well serviced by an enhanced transport network system both existing and planned. It is already a major transport hub but the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail and the Sydney West Metro will advance its connections to the region and wider Sydney.

The new 12 km light rail which is currently under construction begins at Westmead, where there are three stops — Westmead Light Rail, Westmead Hospital and Gurung (outside the Children’s Hospital). There will also be a stop in Parramatta North providing easy access to the expanded health and innovation precinct where the University of Sydney and the new Startup Hub will be located.

The new Metro West station where Westmead will be the first stop on the 25 km line that runs from Westmead to the Sydney CBD via Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays.

As well as connecting customers to the Westmead health, education and employment hub, the new metro station would service residential areas experiencing growth and renewal in north and south Westmead.

14th March is International Pi Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of delicious and freshly baked pie? Parramatta is home to many artisan bakeries, all serving delectable and flavourful pies. Whether you’re after a savory pie for a quick lunch or a sweet fruity pie for a late-night dessert, you can find something you’ll enjoy at one of the top bakeries in Parramatta.

Bourke Street Bakery

Bourke Street Bakery is your friendly neighbourhood bakery, known for its delectable bites handcrafted by well-honed artisanal skills and old-fashioned baking techniques. They serve a number of savory pies catered to the Aussie taste, such as Beef Brisket, Red Wine & Mushroom Pie, Vegan Vege Curry Pie, and Chicken, Sweet Potato, Pea & Lemon Pickle Pie.

If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, Bourke Street Bakery also serves a wide selection of handmade tarts, including Chocolate Ganache tarts, Ginger Brule tarts, and Lemon Curl tarts.

Bourke Street Bakery has locations all over Sydney, including a store on Parramatta's dedicated foodie road, Church St.

Watch Your Fingers Patissiere

Watch Your Fingers Patisserie is the place to be for lunch on International Pi Day. The pastry shop sells award-winning, gourmet pies, often served with rich Soltura coffee and a dessert. Pies at Watch Your Fingers Patisserie are always incredibly quick to sell, so it is best to call and make an order the morning of so that the cafe chefs can prepare a piping hot pie just for you by lunch.

Watch Your Fingers Patisserie is located in Constitution Hill, perfect for locals looking to spend their lunchtime in a quiet and relaxing space. 

Imperial Gluten Free Bakery

As their name implies, all the baked goods seen on Imperial Gluten Free Bakery’s menu are delicious and gluten-free. From breads to cakes to pizza bases, Imperial Gluten Free Bakery makes and sells all types of gluten-free baked goods so that everyone can enjoy their favourite pastries and pies. Located on Victoria Road in Rydalmere, Imperial Gluten Free Bakery is one of the largest gluten-free bakeries across all of Australia.

Imperial Gluten Free Bakery is best known for their Veggie Quiche and Ham and Cheese Quiche. They also sell various sweet tarts such as Cocktail Lemon tarts and Passionfruit Coconut tarts. Whether you want something sweet or savory, Imperial Gluten Free Bakery has got you covered.

Nhuy Kings Hot Bread

Nhuy Kings Hot Bread is known around Ermington, Parramatta, to have the best handmade hot pies at affordable prices. For $2 to $4, you can purchase a variety of freshly made savory pies, such as Meat Pie, Steak & Mushroom Pie, Steak & Curry Pie, Cheese & Bacon Pie, and Potato Pie.

You can enjoy a warm lunch outside with the shop’s comfortable outdoor seating or grab a slice of pie for takeaway during a busy workday. No matter what kind of pie you’re craving, Nhuy Kings Hot Bread has something for you.

Bagel Bakery Cafe

Bagel Bakery Cafe sells a wide range of cakes, breads, and pastries for both savory meals and sweet tooths fancying a filling dessert. Take-away friendly and located in Winston Hills, you can find all sorts of pies at Bagel Bakery Cafe to your liking, including Beef Pies, Curry Pies, Beef Mushroom Pies, and Chicken & Veggie Pies. You can even purchase a family pie if you’re feeling extra hungry or would like to share the warm goodness.

Jenny’s Bakery Cafe

Celebrate International Pi Day with a scrumptious, handmade pie from Jenny’s Bakery Cafe. Located conveniently in Carlingford, Jenny’s Bakery Cafe is the place to be if you’re looking for savory meat, vegetarian, halal, and vegan pies.

Enjoy a meal in the warm and casual atmosphere at Jenny’s Bakery Cafe. Not only can you enjoy a quick and delicious lunch, but you can also purchase a couple of dessert pastries for later.

Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse

Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse is the perfect place to stop for a delicious pie. Take a trip around the world to Francewith their Chicken Fricassee pie, or to the beautiful Med for their Meditteranean Roasted Vegetable pie (also available in GF). Kick back at home with their original Oz Premium Beef, or enjoy UK favourite, the classic Shepherd’s pie with a creamy potato mash topping. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to become an instant addict of the rich, chunky inside and the crispy, buttery outside of Shepherd's Artisan Bakehouse's pies!

Moving justice closer to the people

Parramatta is the centre of Global Sydney

More than two million people already call Western Sydney home and, over the next 20 years, that’s set to rise by another one million – relative to 700,000 in the east.

Equitable access to justice services, a fundamental tenet to the rule of law, means legal and justice precincts should be located within reach of the population.

However, despite the existing court infrastructure in Parramatta and the precinct’s capacity for growth, the majority of legal services remain anchored in the Sydney CBD.

Why?

Court resourcing, perceived lack of prestige compared to Sydney CBD and less proximity to other firms and access to professional service firms is a constant strain on growth.

Investing in the Centre of Global Sydney

Parramatta’s Legal and Justice Precinct is, however, well-positioned to support and accommodate growth. In addition to existing infrastructure, there’s increasing accessibility to talent and customers, high-quality amenities, growing transport networks and premium office space availability.

What’s required is investment, particularly in the resourcing of the courts.

A growing legal and business hub

The opportunities for the legal and business sectors in Parramatta are already beginning to be realised.

A number of small to medium legal firms are located in Parramatta along with three of the big four accounting firms. And the number of legal professionals practising within 30 minutes of Parramatta is predicted to almost double between 2016 and 2036 – driven by good public transport links to the Sydney CBD and continued development in Parramatta and Western Sydney.

Further investment in Parramatta Legal and Justice Precinct would see returns that flow through the local community.

The increase in legal professionals in Parramatta would increase expenditure in the local economy and the boost in jobs would represent between $36 million and $350 million in value add to the local economy.

Case study: Coleman Grieg lawyers

As Parramatta’s Legal and Justice Sector continues to grow and attract law firms from across Greater Sydney, some law firms have called Parramatta home for quite some time now. Coleman Grieg lawyers, Sydney’s largest commercial law firm outside Sydney CBD has a long history in Parramatta and a strong commitment to the region.

Read the case study.

Committing to future growth

Economic, social and practical benefits of Parramatta Justice Precinct’s expansion are waiting. However, commitment is required to realise this expansion and the associated benefits.

The Parramatta Legal and Justice Sector Report, commissioned by the City of Parramatta, helps us to understand the sector better and identify opportunities for expansion – breaking the cycle that inhibits growth and equitable access to justice.

Australian small to medium-sized businesses

Despite the share of voice enjoyed by large organisations in Australia, it is small businesses that account for the vast majority of Australian enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses employ 4.8 million Australians and are a major GDP contributor. Employment growth in small businesses accounted for approximately 60 percent of total employment growth in the private sector between 2013-2018.

Parramatta’s retail and food and beverage businesses alone employed over 17,000 workers in 2018/2019. But during this extremely challenging year, small and medium-sized businesses have been put under enormous pressure with the ensuing economic crisis hitting businesses hard. Many have seen the situation as an opportunity rather than a challenge and taken advantage of economic stimulus measures. This includes a number of grants that were created in recognition of the tough economic climate.

Earlier this year, City of Parramatta offered grants of up to $2,000 to businesses that needed to modify their operating model to continue to generate revenue. A funding pool of $150,000 was created to help businesses adapt and diversify, and to continue trading during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Local grants put to good use

Reflecting the need for this type of funding, City of Parramatta received a total of 185 applications and awarded 85 applications either full or partial funding for their projects.

Parramatta Espresso Bar White Henry used their funding to produce a smartphone app for customer orders.

Andy Canestrari-Soh said the project is almost complete. “The back-end and the graphic design components have been completed, the structure is in place for publishing the app and we are currently working on bugs that need to be resolved in the app code itself.

“As we’re working with a low budget for what we are trying to accomplish we are doing some things the hard way, so this phase is taking quite a while, but I am confident the end result will be well worth the effort and will help the business immensely,” said Canestrari-Soh.

Popular ice cream bar Gelato Messina put its funds towards targeted social media ads and new store signage. Brand and Marketing Manager Siân Bishop said “the extra funding allowed us to let people in the local area know we’re still open and trading.

“We’ve also developed some new take-home dinner kits which will go on sale next week, and will be available from the Parramatta store for local residents to order and collect in store,” Bishop said.

Rydalmere-based Oldtimer Centre put its COVID grant to good use. Oldtimer Centre sells classic and contemporary cars including European brands Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Saab, Volvo and many other marques.

Managing Director Richard Simons said “we have already been working on our new website which is allowing people to not have to come into the dealership as much and buy cars remotely.

“We also spent money on masks, gloves and extra disinfectants for wiping down our cars. Plus, a weekly cleaning service to come in and make sure our dealership and office space gets wiped down professionally,” he added.

Future growth for small business

Parramatta is set to continue to be a great place for small businesses to locate. In March this year, the NSW Government’s Small Business Commission relocated to Parramatta. The Small Business Commission’s move is part of the NSW Government’s Decade of Decentralisation policy, which includes a focus on Greater Sydney. When the move was announced Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government wanted to support the growth of thousands of additional jobs in Parramatta.

In the 12 months to March 2020, 2,500 new businesses established in Parramatta, signifying business confidence in the City prior to the pandemic. Confidence which, with the measures put in place to support businesses, and unprecedented investment in Parramatta continuing, is likely to return. 

Start ups flourish in Parramatta

Across incubators and co-working spaces in Parramatta, startups are flourishing in areas of advanced technology, engineering and more, as they quietly make their mark on a world stage.

Building on the success of startups, Universities are investing heavily in entrepreneurship and commercialisation activities. Over $85 million has poured into new, university-affiliated startup programs and new buildings across Australia in the last five years. And this is exactly what’s occurring in Parramatta.

Launch Pad in Parramatta playing a pivotal role

In 2015, Western Sydney University pioneered Launch Pad, an incubator for startups and SMEs with Parramatta as one of its two locations.

Launch Pad has a team of business experts and mentors on hand, giving entrepreneurs easy access to advice and expertise to grow their business. It is a one-stop-shop for business and innovation support programs and provides facilities, assistance and resources for startup and existing high-growth technology-based businesses, conveniently located in the Parramatta CBD.

Two years ago, Launch Pad started a tailored accelerator program known as Startup SydWest, specifically to help businesses in Western Sydney. It is a competitive program with an annual cohort, funded initially under the Australian Government’s Incubator Support Initiative in 2018. 

More innovation hubs to come for Parramatta

Startup businesses in Parramatta will also benefit from the Westmead Innovation Hub. To be known as Innovation Quarter or iQ, it will house some of the Western Sydney University’s leading research institutes and some of Australia’s national science agency CSIRO’s programs.

Western Sydney University will base its MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at the complex when it opens in 2021. CSIRO will bring world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs.

Also under construction in Parramatta’s CBD is a new $280 million Engineering Innovation Hub for engineering and architecture students from Western Sydney University and the University of NSW, opening in 2022. The hub will share space in its new 19-storey building with companies and businesses looking to take advantage of Parramatta’s growth, and will also offer an expanded location for Launch Pad.

Both the Westmead Innovation Quarter and the Engineering Innovation Hub are part of Western Sydney University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program of works that are reshaping the University’s campus network, including establishing new vertical campuses within the growth centres of its region.

The NSW Government has also recently announced that it will replicate its successful startup hub in the Sydney CBD with a new hub in the Parramatta North Heritage Core, within proximity of Westmead’s burgeoning bio-medical precinct, and a proposed campus of The University of Sydney.

Creating opportunities for collaboration

To provide Parramatta’s startup businesses with a much-needed place to work is Grounded Space, with two locations in Parramatta’s CBD. Co-working spaces are attractive because people can share resources like office space and equipment, but also ideas.

Co-working spaces like Grounded Space are a natural entry point for many startups. Well beyond just supplying a desk, Grounded Space supports startups through collaboration with hubs, government, and business.

One of the lesser considered benefits of a co-working space is opportunities to network. Meeting new people with different business and life experiences is a great way to grow and gain more knowledge, which is particularly important for startups.

Success stories from Launch Pad

One of the many success stories to come from Launch Pad is Earth AI, a “next-generation” minerals exploration company that leverages a fusion of innovative geology techniques and advanced data science to transform the process of minerals exploration to be more efficient and sustainable.

Earth AI is a tenant in the Parramatta Launch Pad centre and is playing a key role in helping to build a community of AI-driven businesses. Earth AI accesses a range of services with Launch Pad including workspace, testing sites for its drilling rig at the Western Sydney University Werrington campus, advisory support for business strategy & capital raising, and data science R&D through connectivity with Western Sydney Univeristy. This partnership gives Earth AI a unique opportunity within the University that they would not have accessed as a private organisation.

Parramatta is well placed to offer startups great opportunities, connections and partnerships that they may not easily access elsewhere. There is already a growing startup ecosystem in Parramatta and it’s only going to strengthen over the next few years.

Fast-tracked shovel-ready projects stimulate NSW economy

City of Parramatta Council has launched a new program to help fast-track the City’s shovel-ready projects and stimulate NSW’s economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.

Council’s Prioritisation Assessment Program is one of the first to be rolled out across NSW, following an invitation from the NSW Government to prioritise Development Applications and Planning Proposals for projects that will generate significant local jobs and economic growth.

“As Sydney’s Central River City and Australia’s fifth largest economy, Parramatta is in a unique position to lead Sydney’s economic recovery,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Council has developed an important new program to enable the early delivery of shovel-ready projects in our great City to help Parramatta lead the way out of COVID-19.”

To be considered under Council's Prioritisation Assessment Program, Development Applications and Planning Proposals will be required to address a range of criteria, including: the ability to create jobs before and after construction, generate a level of investment or consumer expenditure in the City, and meet required timeframes.

Council will continue to follow its regular assessment processes under the existing legislative framework and consult with the community in the normal manner. 

“This program is not about taking short cuts or cutting corners, but reprioritising existing Council resources to help eligible shovel-ready projects progress at an accelerated rate, while continuing to follow due process and boost public benefits,” Cr Dwyer said.

City of Parramatta Council CEO Brett Newman said the program, developed with the support of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, focuses on driving investment in major local projects and community infrastructure.

“We anticipate that the program will focus on a small number of priority projects that will drive long-term employment options in our City, while contributing to services for the wider public,” Mr Newman said.

Council recently collaborated with the NSW Government to accelerate the finalisation of several major Planning Proposals, and will continue to work together to support the new program.

“We share the same broad goal: to drive investment in Western Sydney, create jobs, and ensure the economy bounces back as quickly as possible from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Newman said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes welcomed the efforts by City of Parramatta Council to drive economic investment and job creation.

“Our economic recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a concerted push from all levels of government to help NSW get back on its feet,” Mr Stokes said.

“This is a great example of a council taking up the challenge and working in lockstep with the NSW Government to get great outcomes for their local area and the state.”

For details of the eligibility criteria and how to apply to have your Development Application or Planning Proposal considered for accelerated assessment, please visit the website.