Parramatta Council buys four properties for its River Strategy plan

Parramatta City Council is acquiring four sites along Phillip Street that it deems key to its River Strategy programme worth $200 million.

The council has zeroed in on Willow Grove, St Georges Terrace and other commercial buildings that will cost $35.5 million.

The council’s River Strategy envisions a makeover of the foreshore between Gasworks Bridge and Rings Bridge, O’Connell Street with better space for walking, cycling, recreation and the hosting of events such as New Year’s Eve.

The acquisitions are expected to improve the CBD’s connection to Parramatta River.

"These purchases will allow Council to provide a critical civic link within the City from Parramatta Square through to Riverbank and the foreshore. It allows Council to be more flexible in its activation and rejuvenation of a core precinct in our CBD," Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Paul Garrard said. 

The River Strategy would be an economic injection into the city, he added.

“Historic Willow Grove will be included in of our plans to activate the Riverbank precinct which is a crucial part of Council’s River Strategy adopted earlier this year.”

A blueprint for the Riverbank is currently being considered by council.

It has also resumed control of the former David Jones car park site, which together with the four purchases will make up an 18,000 square metre foreshore site planned for mixed use such as cultural venues and apartments.

The project will be completed in stages over a 20-year timeframe with funding from a range of sources including the council, state government and the private sector.