New plan to put Parramatta River front and centre in City’s identity

City of Parramatta will investigate options to develop an activation program to re-establish the Parramatta River as central to the identity of Parramatta.

Councillors last night backed a plan to build on the Parramatta River Vision and consider how to enhance the foreshore including public art, markets, festivals, walking tours, river experiences and beautification works.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor said a plan to activate the foreshore precinct would help celebrate Parramatta’s place as the Central River City.

“The Parramatta River is core to our City’s DNA and emerging identity as Sydney’s Central River City,” Cr Pandey said.

“The river’s role as a meeting place is an integral part of our history and we want to ensure it remains a key point of connection for the community in our future – a place where people can swim, walk and relax.”

“We are already working with government agencies and community groups to make Parramatta River swimmable by 2025, and with more than 75 per cent of future growth in Parramatta planned to occur within a 10-minute walk or cycle of the Parramatta River it is important to breathe new life into its foreshore.”

“We want the river and its foreshore to be a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike.”

The Parramatta River Vision recognises the river as a vital environmental, social, and cultural asset. It prioritises waterfront open space, aims for world-class city-shaping outcomes, and encourages collaboration with stakeholders to honour the river as a living entity.