The council’s draft planning blueprint certainly caused a ruckus in the media with the focus on a summer-time sandy beach along the river between the Charles St weir and Barry Wilde Bridge.
But Lord Mayor Scott Lloyd was quick to hose down a perception that council was suggesting the river was suitable for swimming - for now.
“The eastern ends of Parramatta River are fit for active swimming and so forth, so there is no reason why over time that process can’t be reversed further upstream as well- but that’s long term,” he said.
Clr Lloyd said people would appreciate sitting on the riverbank, “with sand between their toes” even if they were looking at an unswimmable river.
“We are not saying we are going to be swimming in the river next week, but something like this where people can go down and relax by the river, it just gives it an extra dimension,” he said.
However, the river would be suitable for other activities such as boating, water fountains and pontoon entertainment.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the plan, as far as businesses and developers are concerned, is the proposal for a no height limit for buildings, providing they are slim-line to allow sun to filter through to the streets below and do not contravene aviation restrictions.
The plan is to increase development density, with a 10:1 floor space ratio, to be on a par with Sydney CBD development.
The aim is encourage more commercial space, to balance the amount of residential development in Parramatta in recent years and to extend the CBD boundaries up towards the former auto alley end of Church St..
Council CEO Greg Dyer said the proposed framework was aimed at encouraging world class development and positioning Parramatta as Australia’s next great city.
“While there has been strong demand for new residential development in the CBD, our framework aims to further stimulate new commercial development to boost economic growth and jobs,” he said.
“Our aim is to create a compact CBD with tall slender buildings allowing natural sunlight and active streetscapes.”
Mr Dyer said Parramatta was set for significant growth in coming decades, taking advantage of its strategic location at the geographic heart of Sydney and excellent transport links including the planned Western Sydney Light Rail Network.
“Planning is also continuing for our $2 billion Parramatta Square urban renewal project, a mixed use development across three hectares in the heart of our CBD,” he said.
“The University of Western Sydney will build a new 10,000 student campus in the precinct, and we are currently offering stages two, five and six to the market.””
“This new city planning framework will allow for significant increases in the number of workers and residents across the City.””
Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Roger Byrne said he welcomed any activation of the river precinct, to draw more business to Parramatta, but said the beach proposal was “fanciful”.
“I do commend council for its strategy to drive business to Parramatta with its vision for commercial development, that will also make the city an attractive place to work and relax in,” Mr Byrne said.
He joined council in calling for businesses, residents and workers to view the planning documents and have their say.
Key features of council’s city strategy
● Sandy summertime beach on riverbank
● Boating and entertainment on river
● New Charles St river terminal
● Terraced seating and boardwalk
● Aboriginal cultural centre
● No height limit on commercial buildings
Details
● Strategy on exhibition until November 19
● View online at www.parracity.nsw.gov.au
● Drop-in discussion session in Parramatta Town Hall Wednesday November 5 1.30pm to 4pm and Thursday November 6, 5pm to 7.30pm.
