A new name for 5 Parramatta Square

Parramatta Square is set to become a visionary, world-class destination in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. Extending over three hectares, the square will offer inspiring architecture, open public space and seamless integration with public transport.

The vision of a new community, cultural, and civic heart at Parramatta Square is the result of more than 20 years of planning and advocacy.

When completed, Parramatta Square will include six new buildings, extensive dining and retail opportunities as well as a refurbished Town Hall. The precinct will be linked by 6,000sqm of public space dotted with planter boxes and shelter trees.

Lighting will be critical in transforming the open space to a 24-hour pedestrianised precinct that will serve as a welcoming and safe place to meet, sit, trade, shop, dine, learn, celebrate and connect.

The site of Parramatta Square has always been a meeting place. Archaeological digs across the site have revealed important remnants of Parramatta's First Australians and European heritage. The histories and stories revealed by these digs, as well as research into the multiple layers of heritage across the site, will be revealed through a range of engaging and provoking interpretative installations throughout the precinct. Providing distinct character to the square, these interpretations will acknowledge the stories of those who influenced the development of the Parramatta we know today.

5 Parramatta Square will be the home for the people of Parramatta. Anchored next to the historic Town Hall, this high-quality sustainable building will be a place of pride that celebrates our rich culture and unique heritage.

As the new community, cultural, and civic heart, home for ideas, aspirations and expertise, 5 Parramatta Square will be a place to connect, participate and learn. It will deliver world-class community and cultural experiences and provide a permanent home for a significantly enhanced City of Parramatta Library.

With a community focus and strong connection to the public space, 5 Parramatta Square will delight and surprise with its functionality and creativity, drawing people day and night.

In early 2016, four internationally-renowned architectural teams were invited to design Council’s new community and civic space through a Design Excellence competition.

In July 2016, an international consortium of French firm Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and Australian firms DesignInc and Lacoste + Stevenson were announced as the jury’s unanimous choice as winner of the competition.

Built, one of Australia’s largest private construction groups, has been contracted to deliver the $130M project. The building will be owned by City of Parramatta Council.

5 Parramatta Square has an expected completion date of April 2022.

This multi-purpose six-storey building will represent the City’s civic centre as a place of pride that celebrates our rich culture and unique heritage.

The vision for 5 Parramatta Square is a community and cultural space that will “inspire social connection and foster cultural exchange, create a sense of place and celebrate Parramatta’s evolving identity”.

It will be accessible and offer social connection, lifelong learning and cultural exchange through a variety of multi-functional community spaces.

With an open, flexible layout, filled with natural light, it will offer a range of spaces and activities for the community to meet, lounge, read, collaborate, create and more.

The building will accommodate a variety of uses and deliver many important functions and services including:

• A world-class public library at the forefront of technology, offering an extensive book collection, digital resources, 24/7 book return facility, and study areas
• A Discovery Centre and cultural heritage spaces, including interactive displays and exhibitions in a dedicated space and throughout the building, revealing engaging Parramatta stories, an Aboriginal Keeping Place for local Indigenous objects, a Research Lab and professional services providing access to Council’s cultural heritage collection, and cultural programs
• A ground-floor foyer (the ‘Urban Living Room’) with concierge, visitor services, Council customer services and a café, as well as spaces for live performances and cultural activities
• Community collaboration and creative spaces where the public can create, experiment, study, work, meet, exercise, play, and engage with Maker Space/Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEAM) programs
• The new City of Parramatta Council Chambers.

Council wants everyone to be able to enjoy the new and improved community facilities. Accessible facilities have been incorporated in the building’s design including universally accessible change facilities for people of all ages and abilities and accessible lifts and ramps to all indoor and outdoor areas.

5 Parramatta Square will be the community, cultural and civic heart of the city. The visually exciting building has a unique shape with an eye-catching tessellated design created by folded insulated metal panels and transparent materials.

Inspired by nature, the exterior design plays with light and shadow producing patterns reminiscent of flower petals. The exterior colour also draws on local flora with copper tones at the base of the building graduating to lighter colours as it reaches toward the sun.

The building design also focuses on environmental performance. It achieves a low reliance on heating and cooling through sustainable design principles. Solar collectors on the roof will generate power, heating and hot water and the design allows for water harvesting. On completion, the building is targeting a 6-Star Green Star Design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

5 Parramatta Square will become a landmark presence in Parramatta Square and beyond that residents, visitors and workers of Parramatta will be proud to access and enjoy.

The existing heritage Town Hall, to the west of 5 Parramatta Square, will be integrated into the new 5 Parramatta Square building. On completion, the new building will offer direct access to the Town Hall from the ground floor.

The Parramatta Town Hall will be upgraded and refurbished. The heritage building is currently undergoing a design review that will help determine options for its future use.