Parramatta. Proposal to close laneway

Parramatta City Council has resolved to close a laneway, classified as a public road, at 53 Phillip Street, in the CBD and create an easement for services and public access three metres wide. A council report in December 2010 said a developer had sought to purchase the laneway for outdoor dining as part of a proposed 12-storey hotel on 51 Phillip Street. He was advised the land’s value was considered to be in the vicinity of $650,000. A final price would be determined when council was in a position to sell.

Parramatta. Exhibition of laneways policy

Parramatta City Council will place on public exhibition its Draft Parramatta City Centre Lanes Policy 2010, which identifies 57 lanes in the city centre. Objectives of the policy include ensuring the lanes are retained and enhanced, are attractive and pleasant to use, suitable for outdoor seating and to encourage retail outlets in laneways “supporting a commercial, viable city centre for Parramatta”.

Parramatta. Workshop on CBD lanes strategy

Parramatta City Council will invite a representative from Melbourne City Council to a workshop on its laneways strategy in the Parramatta CBD. There are currently 57 lanes in the CBD, with the majority in the commercial core. Council says lanes provide, public amenity, economic and heritage benefits. The lanes policy supports the retention of a well functioning lanes network that will increase the extent of retail frontage at street level supporting a commercially viable city centre for Parramatta.