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.
