A new bridge, boardwalks and accessible pathways connecting Parramatta’s CBD to the river foreshore and major attractions are a step closer, with City of Parramatta Council endorsing the revised concept design for the $28.3 million Western River Precinct Connections Project.
The multimillion-dollar project is set to revitalise the Western River Precinct between Marsden and O’Connell Streets, delivering critical walking and cycling connections between the City centre, Parramatta River, Parramatta Park, CommBank Stadium, Bayanami Public School, Riverside Theatres and Powerhouse Parramatta.
Key refinements include new wetland habitat, foreshore planting, improved water quality measures and elevated boardwalks and walkways to protect riverbanks, trees and archaeology.
Lord Mayor, Cameron MacLean said the project would improve the way people move around the City while strengthening connections to some of Parramatta’s main drawcards.
“This project will make it easier, safer and more enjoyable for people to walk and ride between the CBD and major attractions in our City,” Cr MacLean said.
“With more than two million people walking or cycling along Parramatta’s foreshore each year, the project will help meet growing demand for safer, more accessible connections while creating new spaces to enjoy the river.
“This is about unlocking our river foreshore and bringing to life our vision to create a river City that is connected and accessible for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.”
The concept design was shaped by extensive community consultation with the community strongly backing the project.
“We’ve listened to our community and refined the design to deliver stronger environmental outcomes while maintaining the vital connections our growing City needs,” Lord Mayor MacLean said.
The project will now progress to detailed design and construction is expected to start in 2027.
The project will be funded by Council and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
For more information, visit Participate Parramatta.
