Plans to transform the southern end of Parramatta’s central business district into a Chinatown precinct with a new civic square, laneways and retail spaces will go on public exhibition next month, marking the first phase of a broader push to expand the city’s nightlife and cultural footprint.
The proposal, part of the CBD South Parramatta Master Plan, covers key areas including Fitzwilliam Street, Wentworth Street, Church Street and a network of new Chinatown laneways and arcades. The precinct is intended to introduce a mix of public art, dining, retail and pedestrian spaces aimed at increasing activity in the southern section of the CBD.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the plan builds on recent growth in the city centre and aims to extend that momentum beyond the northern side of the rail corridor.
“Parramatta is a City second to none. This Master Plan allows us to truly become a global City by expanding our nightlife and public spaces to build on the success of Parramatta Square, north of the train line,” Cr Zaiter said.
He pointed to visitor numbers at Parramatta Square as evidence of demand for activated public spaces. “Since it opened in 2022, Parramatta Square continues to bring vibrancy and nightlife to our CBD and in the last year alone we saw more than eight million visitors in the public domain.”
The southern precinct, bounded by Church Street, Fitzwilliam Street and Parkes Street, has long been identified as an area with redevelopment potential. The proposed plan includes upgrades to existing council-owned sites and the creation of new public spaces designed to support events, hospitality and cultural activity.
“This is about unlocking the full potential of the southern precinct, so it becomes a lively destination for food, culture and connection,” Cr Zaiter said.
The inclusion of a Chinatown precinct is positioned as a central feature of the plan, with a focus on dining, retail and cultural expression. The council expects the area to draw both local residents and visitors, particularly during evening hours.
“All global cities around the world have a Chinatown precinct that comes alive with wonderful eateries, retail and cultural offerings,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We want to unlock Council-owned sites and create a vibrant destination, full of art, light and colour that people can enjoy especially as we continue to grow into a global City.”
The draft plans are scheduled to be placed on public exhibition from 11 May, with submissions invited through the council’s Participate Parramatta platform. Community feedback will inform the next stage of planning for what is expected to be a long-term redevelopment of the southern CBD.
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