Riverside Theatres has been a significant cultural hub in the City of Parramatta for over four decades. While it has served the community well, the existing infrastructure has become outdated and limited in its capacity to accommodate the growing demand for cultural events, performances, and gatherings. The renewal of Riverside Theatres signals Parramatta’s evolution into a great global city.
Located on the northern banks of the Parramatta River, Riverside Theatres is nestled in the Church Street dining precinct and is accessed by road, train and river. Located on Dharug land, the traditional owners - the Burramattagal people have a close connection with the river. The river and land surrounding it remain important for First Nations people in maintaining dreaming storylines, culture and traditions.
Western Sydney is one of the NSW’s fastest growing and most dynamic regions. Currently, it is home to a large and diverse population of about 2.2 million people, more than a quarter of the NSW population. The new Riverside Theatres will be an anchor venue in this emerging cultural cluster, alongside new prospects such as the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (MAAS). A new Riverside Theatres plays an important role in creating Parramatta as a diverse, thriving local city culture.
Riverside Theatres Site Planning Proposal was finalised 18 August 2023.
The Planning Proposal for the Riverside Theatres site (land at 353A-353C Church St and Part of 351 Church St, Parramatta) has been finalised by Department of Planning and Environment and was notified on 18 August 2023.
The Planning Proposal made the following amendments to the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023:
- Increase the Maximum Height of Building (HOB) from 15m to 28m;
- Introduce a Site-Specific Clause that prevents new development generating any additional overshadowing to the southern side of the Parramatta River Foreshore between 12pm and 2pm; requires active street frontages; and specifies a maximum Design Excellence bonus of 15%.
More information on the Planning Proposal can be found on the NSW Planning Portal here.
Council has not appointed a Head Contractor at this stage of the project. An Expression of Interest will be issued, and a Head Contractor will be appointed in 2025. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 pending approval.
City of Parramatta has been working closely with stakeholders and the community through various engagement activities to gather insights and feedback on the Riverside Theatres redevelopment, ensuring the project reflects local priorities and enhances Parramatta’s cultural landscape.
We are currently preparing the State Significant Development Application and the Environmental Impact Statement. The application is expected to be lodged early 2025.
This round of feedback for the Riverside Theatre concept design will be incorporated as part the SSDA and EIS and considered as the project progresses into detailed design.
