A 25-year vision for transforming Parramatta into a global powerhouse by 2050 is now open for public review. The draft plan, titled “Parramatta 2050,” sets out a comprehensive strategy to harness the city’s strengths, attract new opportunities and investments, and position Parramatta as a key player on the world stage.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber emphasised the ambition behind the plan. “This is Council’s pitch to secure Parramatta’s position on the world stage. We want to see Parramatta recognised internationally as a place where people gather to share their ideas and collaborate, create firsts and where great ideas can build momentum. We want to make our City a magnet for individuals, businesses, and industries looking for a place to start their story.”
The draft vision details six transformative initiatives to shape the future of Parramatta:
- Establishing Parramatta as Western Sydney’s job engine, aiming to create an additional 150,000 jobs.
- Building an epicentre of creativity with reimagined cultural landmarks like the Riverside Theatres and Powerhouse Parramatta, alongside new contemporary art galleries, live music venues, and a vibrant night-time economy.
- Becoming the home of festivals, sports, and entertainment, including being the E-sports capital of Australia with a multi-purpose indoor arena and serving as the home base for national sporting teams.
- Leading globally in First Nations partnerships.
- Becoming the most globally connected university city in Australia, featuring a new university campus at Westmead.
- Creating an unrivalled River City with a continuous green corridor between Lake Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.
The vision also outlines the potential for five distinct districts within the city, each with unique identities and economic focuses, all linked by the Parramatta River and enhanced transport connections, including the Metro:
- A Health and Innovation District in Westmead and North Parramatta, aiming to be a global leader in medical research, technology, and well-being.
- A Headquarters District in the CBD, hosting major businesses and key government departments.
- A Model City District around Camellia and Rosehill, setting benchmarks for green jobs, infrastructure, and regeneration.
- A Future Jobs District in Silverwater, envisaged as a hub for emerging industries.
- A Celebration District at Sydney Olympic Park, where major sporting and cultural events will take centre stage.
- To drive the economic development of these key industries, the vision proposes the creation of Parramatta International, a new body that will collaborate with State and Federal agencies to attract international investment.
Cr Esber highlighted the importance of connecting Parramatta to the global stage through business relationships, cultural ties, and improved transport, including access to the new international airport in Western Sydney. He stressed the significance of having a guiding vision as state and federal governments make decisions that will impact the city’s future.
The public exhibition period for the draft vision is an opportunity for the community to shape the future of Parramatta. Cr Esber encourages residents to voice their opinions on the city’s direction and its global image.
“Parramatta 2050 will bring a world of opportunity to our doorstep and ensure our kids and grandkids grow up knowing that in Parramatta, anything is possible.”
The draft Parramatta 2050 document is available for public review until Friday, 19 July.
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