Charles Street Square
Celebrating the point where salt water and fresh water meet, Charles Street Square offers a distinctive Parramatta CBD arrival for ferry passengers and showcases a new riverfront community gathering place.
This $12m+ project was opened in 2023 and forms part of the Parramatta Quay precinct.
The Charles Street Square design draws inspiration from the curved geometry of the Parramatta River, the surrounding landscape and the site’s unique history.
This vibrant public space now offers a wide riverside promenade, an amphitheatre, garden terrace and city square. The design also includes new tree planting and garden beds.
Adding to the visitor experience, a layer of cultural heritage has been introduced through the site, with opportunities to scan small QR codes embedded into seating to learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped Parramatta over time.
Charles Street Square features easy-to-navigate ramps and stairs to make connections between the Parramatta River and the CBD accessible to all.
See the Square’s location on a map here.
Image Gallery
Public art work
In mid-2024, a major public art piece was added to Charles Street Square.
Thanks to this artwork, visitors are now able to enjoy a 30-minute multi-layered animated video artwork every evening. The projection ‘canvas’ is approximately 30m long and 10m high.
The artwork (visual only, no sound) is on a loop and screens between 8pm to 11pm each day in summer (Daylight Savings Time) and between 6pm and 9pm during winter (Eastern Standard Time).
The public art project acknowledges the continuing presence of First Nations people in the City of Parramatta and our shared journey towards respect and reconciliation.
Project funding and awards
Council’s significant contribution to this project was supported by NSW Government funding, through the Transport Access Program and NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.
Lead consultants Spackman Mossop Michaels Landscape Architects led a multidisciplinary consultant team to deliver the design, with architecture by Lahz Nimmo Architects.
The project has won the following awards:
Find out more
Project Review of Environmental Factors and consultation process