Parramatta. $1.6 billion project closer

Parramatta City Council’s hopes over the past decade on the redevelopment of Civic Place are becoming closer to realisation with the developer, Grocon, expected to lodge a DA early this year for phase one of the $1.6 billion project to commence in July. Construction is expected to commence, in early 2011, of council’s new administration block, library, art gallery and council chambers, on the corner of Smith and Macquarie streets, adjacent to Sydney Water’s head office, completed in March 2009. The site includes the Australia Post property. When the total project is completed it could include 100,000 square metres of A-grade office space and some 9000 workers.

Parramatta. Council's debt down

In 2004/05, Parramatta City Council borrowed $55 million to purchase properties as part of its Civic Place project. Since then council’s debt, of $98.2 million, has decreased to $89.3 million, in 2008/09. The interest on loans is offset by rentals from the properties and interest from unspent loans.

Parramatta. Key future plans

Parramatta City Council’s 2008/09 annual report states that key future plans, in the city development program, include a draft economic development strategy, completion of stages two and three, of the South Street, Granville, the rejuvenationand improvement of the streetscape around Kleins Road, Northmead, development of long-term plans for Epping town centre, rolling out of streetscape upgrades in Church Street, North Parramatta, and further works in Westmead and Epping.

Parramatta.Council-owned land assessed

Parramatta City Council reported in its 2008/09 annual report it conducted an assessment of all council-owned lands to determine redundant or underutilised sites, with the aim of increasing the value and opportunities for community use.

Parramatta. Commercial opportunities

Parramatta City Council reported in the 2008/09 annual report, it conducted negotiations, in 2008/09, for the acquisition of sites adjacent to council-owned property to allow consolidation and create commercial opportunities for council in the future

Parramatta. Strategic transport priorities

Parramatta City Council has stepped up its campaign, in conjunction with the community and business groups, “to remind the NSW Government” of the need to advance integrated transport for Parramatta. Council will focus on promoting four strategic transport priorities: lobbying for funding of the West Metro, completing the Parramatta to Chatswood rail link, establishing a full commuter inbound RiverCat services, and supporting commuter networks with parking and bus connections.

Parramatta. Program expanded

Parramatta City Council expanded its three-year-old Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub into a more sustainable Sydney-wide program, in 2008/09, according to council’s annual report.

Parramatta. Strategy for Riverbank block

According to Parramatta City Council’s 2008/09 annual report, council has adopted the urban design strategy for the proposed mixed-use Riverbank project, which comprises the block bounded by the Parramatta River and Church, Phillip and Smith streets, in the CBD. Buildings up to 80 metres are permitted; the FSR is 6:1. Council owns property valued in excess of $71 million within the block.

Parramatta. Thirty new skyscrapers

A major campaign being conducted by Parramatta City Council is raising the city’s profile as the capital of Western Sydney, so that it may continue to attract an extra 30,000 workers, 20,000 residents and see the construction of the equivalent of 30 new skyscrapers, which are forecast for Parramatta, by 2013, according to council’s 2008/09 annual report.