Redevelopment of Riverside Theatres Site

The redevelopment of Riverside Theatres is set to transform it into a world-class cultural destination and vibrant hub for creativity in the heart of Parramatta.

The winning design, selected through an international competition earlier this year, is a collaboration between COX Architecture, 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra.

The revitalised Riverside Theatres is set to be a major driver of economic growth, attracting visitors and creating opportunities for local businesses, from hospitality to retail, further enhancing Parramatta as a vibrant community and tourism destination.

Get involved and have your say!

We’re renewing Riverside Theatres, and we want YOU to be part of this incredible journey!

Imagine a space where iconic performances, cutting-edge design, and a thriving local arts scene come together. A place that not only showcases world-class talent but also celebrates the creativity and diversity of our community.

Our proposed design respects Parramatta’s rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture with elements that honour the area’s historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of past and present. The new theatres include:

  • New, bigger and better theatre spaces
  • Improved entrances and a spectacular new foyer
  • Landscaping and public domain improvement
  • New loading dock and updated back-of-house facilities

What excites you about the redevelopment? What inspire you most about the vision? What would you love to see and experience at the new Riverside Theatres?


How to get involved?

Check out our concept designs and tell us what you think. Learn more, share your thoughts below and make your mark on this once-in-a-lifetime project.

You can have your say by 5pm on Thursday 19 December 2024 using one of the options below:

  • Online survey: scroll down or click here
  • Email: council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
  • Post: City of Parramatta Council, Redevelopment of Riverside Theatres, PO Box 32, Parramatta NSW 2124
  • Verbally: click here (please note that this option is being offered for those that cannot provide or may find it difficult to provide written feedback)
  • In-person: You might also like to come along to one of our local pop-ups planned for December. It’s a great chance to learn more, explore the designs and share your feedback in person.
  • Thursday 28 November, 3pm – 8:30pm in Parramatta Square, Parramatta
  • Wednesday 11 December, 11:00am – 1:00pm in Centenary Square, Parramatta
  • Friday 13 December, 11:00am – 1:00pm in Centenary Square, Parramatta

About the project

A game-changer for arts and culture

Riverside Theatres is set to become the centrepiece of Parramatta’s arts and culture precinct, drawing both international and Australian performances to the area and boosting the local nighttime economy. 

It will serve as a centrepiece of Parramatta’s economy and arts and culture precinct, fostering cultural exchange and community connection while celebrating Parramatta’s heritage and diversity.

It will include cutting-edge audiovisual and technical infrastructure, offering unparalleled experiences for both artists and audiences.

Accessibility is at the forefront, with features including all-abilities mobility access, assistive listening and vision technologies, and sensory-friendly spaces, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

This transformation will open doors to exciting opportunities for international and local talent, while also creating spaces for emerging artists to showcase their work, making Parramatta a hub for artistic excellence and cultural vibrancy.


A deeper dive into the designs

The Riverside Theatres redevelopment design competition brought together top architects and designers to create a visionary performing arts centre that respects Parramatta’s cultural heritage while setting new standards in functionality, sustainability, and audience experience.

The winning design, selected through a rigorous competition process, reflects a collaborative approach by incorporating community input and cultural significance, resulting in a landmark venue that honours Parramatta’s past and supports its vibrant future in the arts.

New, bigger and better theatre spaces

Proposed key features include:

  • A 1,500-seat Broadway-style lyric theatre
  • A refurbished 700-seat Riverside Playhouse theatre
  • A brand-new 325-seat black-box drama theatre
  • A state-of-the-art 100-seat digital studio and cinema

Final seating numbers may be slightly different following completion of the design.

Spectacular entrances and foyer

Proposed key features include:

  • A brand-new foyer area
  • Public entrances facing Parramatta River and Church Street
  • Food and beverage facilities, including theatre bars
  • Arrival and gathering spaces, function areas, and other amenities

Things for the staff and performers (back of house)

Proposed key features include:

  • A new loading dock
  • Improved staff offices and amenities
  • A central kitchen
  • New dressing rooms
  • New technical and production spaces
  • Storage, cleaning, and support areas

Landscaping and public domain improvements for everyone 

The redevelopment will also include proposed improvements to the public domain, featuring:

  • A new landscaped area between the Riverside Theatres and the river foreshore
  • An improved upper-level pedestrian connection between Church and Marsden Streets
  • Enhanced landscaping along the Marsden Street interface
  • A new lower-level pedestrian and cycle connection linking to existing paths both east and west
  • A riverfront café integrated within the landscape terraces

Project status and next steps

The City of Parramatta is currently preparing the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

We want to hear your thoughts before we lodge the application.

Once lodged in early 2025, a 28-day public exhibition period will follow providing more formal opportunities for you to share your feedback on the Riverside Theatres redevelopment.

If approved, construction of the reimagined Riverside Theatres is expected to start in late 2025, with doors to Western Sydney’s newest performing arts centre set to open in 2028.