Parramatta Road Project
Funded 2000, due for completion 2003
Revival of the Road
We believe that this project demonstrates the strength of - and need for - the Urban Improvement Program's vision to bring all stakeholders to the table and take a whole-of-government approach. The project will result in quieter streets, 'smart' solar-powered lighting and traffic signals, underground cabling, and better pedestrian safety. There is a focus on giving each place its own identity which will make journeys more pleasurable by creating a sense of travelling through different communities and giving clearer visual signals of the special sites along the road.
Many players are involved including the RTA, the EPA, PlanningNSW and the Departments of Transport, Public Works and Services, as well as 11 local councils (Ashfield, Auburn, Burwood, Canada Bay, Holroyd, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Parramatta, South Sydney, Strathfield and City of Sydney).
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| Missed opportunities no longer |
Parramatta Rd |
The place manager is responsible for managing the four components of the Parramatta Road Project:
Parramatta Road by Design
The ugly duckling of Sydney's arterial roads, Parramatta Road is to breathe new life with the announcement of the winner of an international design competition, announced on 24 September 2001.
The competition received funds under the Urban Improvement Program to create a vision for Parramatta Road as an efficient, economically vibrant and people-friendly precinct, to be known as 'Sydney Central'.
A team led by Sydney architects John Choi and Tai Ropiha are the winners of the NSW Government's international competition to prepare the blueprint for Parramatta Road's revitalisation.
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| The MCA at Granville and art celebrating automobiles are ideas included in the winning entry. |
"Selection of the Masterplan team is a major milestone in transforming Parramatta Road into a highway we can all be proud of," said the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Dr Andrew Refshauge.
"As the winners have said in their entry, this is a once in a century opportunity to redirect Sydney's growth to benefit the entire city."
Choi Ropiha was among 40 teams from Australia and around the world who submitted expressions of interest.
Dr Refshauge said the winning entry was selected for its potential to fulfil the Parramatta Road Project's aims for three key sites - the Church Street intersection at Parramatta, the area near Fort Street High School and the M4 intersection:
- better urban design
- economically, environmentally and socially sustainable mixed uses and housing
- coordinated planning to help employment and business growth
- reduced pollution
- attractive landscaping and open spaces
- increased use of public transport, and
- improved pedestrian safety, road safety and travel management.
"The team demonstrates a depth of skills and knowledge necessary to work with Parramatta Road's diverse people and interests to bring this vision to reality over the next 12 months.
"I congratulate Choi-Ropiha and their team. I am looking forward to seeing the draft Masterplan and to involving the community in progress for Parramatta Road."
A resource book has been produced for planners working along the road, to help them develop a common vision for the future and commit to projects which will achieve that vision.
Enterprising Parramatta Road
This project will analyse all the businesses along the road and look at why some succeed and some fail, and what changes are required to planning controls including floor space ratios. This is a private-sector-driven project involving local business people and landowners.
Places Along Parramatta Road
There are many sites along the road which are part of Sydney's cultural heritage, mostly in private hands. Efforts are being made to identify possible funding sources for this part of the project. Councils are contributing seed funding at this stage.
Sustaining Parramatta Road
This represents the chance to bring together the efforts of several different stakeholders to create a better environment for everyone. Funds are being sought from appropriate bodies such as the Stormwater Trust, Greenhouse Office and the EPA.
The best driver for change along Parramatta Road is its "location, location, location". If Parramatta Road improves, its destination as a workplace will also improve. The aim of the project is to make the road socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
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| Clocktower at corner of Frederick St and Parramatta Road Ashfield |
A unified vision
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| Parramatta Road By Design Launch* |
Ray Lintott of Wagon Wheels Chrysler Jeep, Lintott Corporation, is an enthusiastic member of the Parramatta Road Steering Committee. He represents the interests of motor vehicle traders and the private sector. Ray has 30 years experience as a property owner/investor and in selling vehicles along the road. Ray says "This project is an inspiring and unique opportunity to bring together the partners - in particular 11 councils - to achieve a unified vision."
*From left to right: Mark Bonanno - Mayor of Ashfield, Virginia Judge - Mayor of Strathfield, Michael Wroblewski - Mayor of Canada Bay, Andrew Refshauge - Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Carl Scully - Minister for Transport, Joseph Tannous - former Mayor of Burwood, Martin Lintott - Director, Lincorp and Alan Rowe - first motor vehicle trader on Parramatta Rd
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