Stewart Street Reserve Escarpment Lookout

Project update - December 2024

Deck the halls, and build the deck…

Delays caused by rain mean that Dixon Park Escarpment Lookout at Stewart Street Reserve will not be open to the public this side of Christmas, but our construction crew is working hard to finish the deck on the cantilevered viewing platform and finalise the works for a celebratory opening early in the new year.

Once the deck is complete, it’s moving on to the finishing touches including:

• Installing a safety balustrade along the edge of the lookout
• Planting and bush regeneration works
• Laying a concrete path for access
• Building an entry wall and installing signage

Project update - October/November 2024

The Stewart Street Escarpment Lookout is taking shape. It will soon be a must-do destination offering some of the most spectacular views of the land and waters of Parramatta.

Currently the project team is installing the cantilevered steel deck structure.

The steel deck beams came to site in 37 pieces with a 50 tonne crane used to assemble the parts together like a jigsaw puzzle.

The longest beams were 13.1m long and they weighed around 1,350kg each.

In November, planned works include:

• Hardstand, concrete paths, seating stairs and ramp works
• Installation of balustrades around the steel deck
• Paving on the sides of the deck and timber works on the deck will follow

The Stewart Street Escarpment Lookout is scheduled to be open to the public mid to late December 2024.

Project Update - August/September 2024

A sensational new riverfront lookout takes shape

At Stewart Street Escarpment Lookout (Dixon Park), opposite Parramatta Quay, demolition and clearing works have been completed, earth works are underway, and a fabulous new community green space with incredible views over the Parramatta River is taking shape.

The site is being regraded, and foundation and piling works have begun. The off-site fabrication of furniture and the cantilevered deck beams will commence in coming weeks. There is lots more work to be done, including the installation of the observation deck and extensive planting, but good progress is being made.

Subject to weather and any impacts on the construction program, the Stewart Street Escarpment Lookout is expected to open to the public in late-December 2024.

Stay tuned for more updates and a sneak peek of those stunning Parramatta River views.

Project Update - July 2024

In the CBD across from Parramatta Quay, work is progressing at Stewart Street Reserve creating a new lookout over the Parramatta River.

On site, excavation continues, and remediation is underway. Over the following months, the viewing platform and seating will be manufactured off-site and more landscaping work will begin on site.

The escarpment lookout presents an opportunity for a new gathering space for relaxation, celebration, reflection and enjoyment that is safe and accessible for all users. Expected to be open to the public in late-2024, a cantilevered platform structure will offer expansive views directly over the Parramatta River. Views, new paths, seating, feature tree planting and bushland planting will transform the reserve into a must-see destination.

City of Parramatta recently made design improvements on the Stewart Street lookout. The amendments included minimising visual impact on the river corridor, additional planting, and more seating.

The $1M project is being jointly funded by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s 'Places to Roam' Program ($500k) with the City of Parramatta investing a further $500kin the project to create a vibrant and engaging public space.

Consultation

Following public exhibition of the concept design in late 2022, consultation has now closed.Thank you for your feedback.

Background

Council is excited to be delivering a unique lookout experience at the heart of the Parramatta River Foreshore Transformation Precinct at Stewart Street Reserve.

Council developed a draft concept plan which was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment 'Places to Roam' Program. Council was successful with the grant, which will transform the neglected open space along Stewart Street Reserve into an activated lookout over the Parramatta River.

The lookout will breathe much-needed life into the underutilised reserve and create a scenic and cultural destination for our community to enjoy. It’s at the centre of the gateway into the Parramatta CBD, linking the Escarpment Boardwalk and the upcoming Charles Street Square.