Work begins on transformation of Parramatta Quay

The transformation of Parramatta Quay – the gateway to Sydney’s Central River City – is underway, with the start of construction on the long-awaited Escarpment Boardwalk and new plans to revitalise Charles Street Square now on public exhibition.

City of Parramatta Council has appointed award-winning Australian company Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure to build the river-level boardwalk following an extensive tender process.

“I am excited to see this game-changing project progress and I look forward to watching it take shape over the coming months,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

Located opposite the ferry wharf in the Parramatta CBD, the Escarpment Boardwalk will be a river-level path that will allow cyclists and pedestrians to access the CBD foreshore on the northern bank. The project will also include new sets of stairs up to Stewart Street and Macarthur Street to ensure safe and direct access for the public and students of Macarthur Girls High School.

The boardwalk will complete the off-road walking and cycling path along the northern bank of the Parramatta River, connecting Parramatta Park to Melrose Park. 

Every year, almost 1.5 million people enjoy walking and cycling along the river foreshore as it passes through the Parramatta CBD.

The project, which is being funded by $16.35 million from the NSW Government’s Cycling Infrastructure Fund and Transport for NSW’s Active Transport Program, is expected to open in early 2021.

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the State Government and Council were building Sydney’s best continuous pedestrian and cycling path along the Parramatta River.

“Residents will have the opportunity to walk or ride to work from the Parramatta CBD to Melrose Park without going on the road,” said Dr Lee.

“This will transform the way people move around our City and suburbs, and enable everyone to explore and enjoy our beautiful area safely.”

It is part of the ongoing transformation of the Parramatta City River Foreshore, which also includes the redevelopment of Charles Street Square ‒ the area adjacent to the new Parramatta Ferry Wharf.

Plans to transform the precinct into a vibrant public space and more accessible entry point to our City are now on public exhibition. The upgrade includes an improved riverfront walk, generous ramped walkways, a new garden terrace, and an amphitheatre with terraced seating and views over the Quay.

“The Escarpment Boardwalk and Charles Street Square projects will revitalise the Parramatta riverfront and turn it into a true destination,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Whether you’re travelling by bike, foot or ferry, these projects will make the Parramatta CBD more connected and accessible. The revitalisation of Parramatta Quay will create a powerful first impression to the many thousands of visitors who come to Parramatta via ferry each year, as well as provide a bustling meeting place for residents, workers and visitors.”

For information and to provide feedback on the Charles Street Square draft concept design, please visit Council's engagement portal. Submissions close 4.30pm Monday 16 March.