Plans for the next stage of an iconic pedestrian boulevard set to run from Parramatta's CBD to the River will go on exhibition from early March.
The $21 million Civic Link project runs north-south along Horwood Place from George Street to Phillip Street connecting Parramatta Square (Block 1) and the public spaces proposed within the Sydney MetroWest project (Block 2) to the south and Powerhouse Parramatta (Block 4) to the north.
Designs for the city-shaping project include a green spine of new trees and garden planting offering shade and pockets of nature to explore, a ribbon of mixed-use seating and activations for opportunities to meet, engage and play, widening the existing pedestrian footpaths to create boulevards and establishing accessible east-west bridges across the gardens to create immersive green spaces.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said Civic Link will transform the heart of Parramatta.
"This is part of our long-held vision for Civic Link, providing a vibrant spine that connects our community to transport networks and cycleways between Parramatta Square in our CBD and Powerhouse Museum by the river," Cr Esber said.
"Our public spaces offer workers, visitors and residents a social place to gather together, celebrate culture and enjoy nature.
"We've seen this with the 365,000 visitors at Parramatta Square each month and its potential as a social precinct, activation and event space and destination to explore."
Parramatta's deep connection to the river is also reflected in the concept design with proposals to direct and harvest local run-off to treatment areas integrated into the gardens to improve water quality and stormwater management.
A rollout of innovative infrastructure with integrated lighting, CCTV, environmental sensors, dynamic signage, public WIFI and recharge points will be installed to keep the community safe.
Following the public exhibition, further community consultation will be undertaken before the design is finalised.
This project received $10.5 million in funding from the NSW Government as part of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund and is expected to be completed in 2026.
