A master plan sets out a vision for the arrangement of public streets and spaces and the shape and scale of built form, and provides a framework from which to develop more detailed controls. A master plan will generally include plans and diagrams, supported by design guidelines.
A vision illustrates an ideal future outcome for a place and describes the desirable qualities of the place including its spaces, uses and how people will experience it.
The Master Plan is being delivered in two phases due to the unique qualities of each half of the precinct, and the immediate need to provide a vision for Phase 1 to shape upcoming development.
a. Phase 1 has an ageing public domain with a lack of public open space, and is currently seeing large-scale development proposals. Phase 1 also includes Council-owned land, which can play an important role in shaping the precinct. These factors underpin the need for a cohesive vision that can guide redevelopment of the area.
b. Phase 2 focuses on the western precinct, including Westfield landholdings, surrounding mid‑rise residential buildings and the Argyle Street bus interchange, requiring a collaborative approach with key stakeholders. Phase 2 will commence in the second half of 2026 and will be publicly exhibited for community input in 2027.
The Master Plan does not uplift development controls, but provides a guiding framework for how buildings, streets, public spaces and Council land can evolve over time to deliver lasting benefits for the community. This will guide future development applications and public infrastructure upgrades, supported by future amendments to the Parramatta City Centre Development Control Plan.
Subject to further feasibility and design, a new public car park to replace the existing Council-owned Parramatta Station car park is proposed on Council‑owned land, comprising underground and sleeved above‑ground parking.
- In August 2025, Council acknowledged the community’s interest in establishing a Chinatown Precinct as a means to celebrate cultural identity, boost local businesses and enhance tourism, resolving that Council staff should consider the viability of developing a Chinatown Precinct on Church Street in the precinct.
- People of Chinese heritage are the largest cultural group in Parramatta LGA (22.3%). The southern side of Church Street has a strong mix of Chinese and other Asian restaurants and retail, some with decades of history in the area.
- There are opportunities to capitalise on the unique character of this precinct by layering a variety of active Chinatown uses within Church Street and the local laneways and arcades.
- The Master Plan aims to create a place that reflects, celebrates and supports this culture as part of Parramatta’s identity.
The Master Plan will be exhibited online for 6 weeks for community feedback from 11 May to 23 June 2026. You can view it in person during opening hours at Parramatta Library (PHIVE).
Council staff are also running the following drop-in sessions in the Parramatta CBD during the public exhibition period:
- Saturday, 23 May 2026: 11am – 1pm at PHIVE (5, Parramatta Square, Parramatta) in the lobby.
- Tuesday, 26 May 2026: 4pm – 7pm at PHIVE (5, Parramatta Square, Parramatta) in the lobby.
After the exhibition, a final Master Plan will be updated and presented to Council for endorsement later in 2026, including next steps, technical work, and an indicative timeline for implementation.
The CBD South Parramatta Master Plan is a long-term vision for the precinct. While some aspects of the master plan may be implemented in the short-term, the broader vision for the area will require more medium-to-long term solutions and the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
