Parramatta’s transformation into one of Sydney’s biggest cultural and dining hubs is continuing, with plans now unveiled for a brand-new Chinatown precinct in the heart of the CBD.
The proposed development would revitalise an underutilised stretch of Church Street in Parramatta’s south, introducing laneways lined with eateries, public art installations and a new public square designed to create a major new cultural destination in Western Sydney.
The plans were recently revealed by City of Parramatta Council as part of broader efforts to reshape the fast-growing CBD.
Here’s what to know.
Jump to:
- What’s Planned For Parramatta’s Chinatown?
- Why Is The Precinct Being Built In Parramatta’s South?
- What Does The Local Community Think?
What’s Planned For Parramatta’s Chinatown?
According to the proposal, the new Chinatown precinct would bring a major cultural and dining hub to Parramatta’s southern CBD.
Early renderings show pedestrian laneways activated with restaurants and eateries, large-scale public art, vibrant lighting and communal gathering spaces centred around a new civic square.
The project aims to create a stronger cultural identity for the area while boosting foot traffic and new business opportunities throughout the southern end of Church Street.
Why Is The Precinct Being Built In Parramatta’s South?
While Parramatta’s northern CBD has undergone significant development in recent years, the southern end of the city is still waiting on several major projects currently in the pipeline.
That includes the future Powerhouse Parramatta precinct and the upcoming Sydney Metro West line, which will eventually connect Parramatta to Sydney’s CBD via a new driverless metro service.
Council says the Chinatown proposal is designed to help accelerate renewal in the south while building on Parramatta’s growing reputation as a cultural and culinary destination.
What Does The Local Community Think?
Community members have noted the area was historically popular with members of the local Chinese community, with hopes the new precinct could help reactivate the neighbourhood and encourage more community gathering spaces.
According to the latest Census data, 15.3 per cent of Parramatta residents reported Chinese ancestry, making it the city’s second-largest ancestry group.
Community consultation on the proposal is now open until June 23.
