Western River Precinct Connections

A crowd attending an outdoor Western River precinct activation.

The Western River Precinct Connection Project is transforming how people move through and experience Parramatta’s riverside. By linking the Parramatta River foreshore with the city centre, Parramatta Park, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres and Powerhouse Parramatta, the project will create a vibrant, accessible and connected public domain.

With over 2 million annual walkers and cyclists using the Parramatta River pathways, the city’s growth demands better infrastructure. This $28.3m project addresses missing pedestrian and cycling links across and along the river, improving safety, capacity and connectivity.

Delivered in stages, the project includes:

  • A new walking and cycling bridge near Marsden Street
  • A continuous southern foreshore boardwalk connecting the CBD to Parramatta Park
  • A regraded, wider and more accessible northern foreshore path linking Parramatta Park and Riverside Theatres
  • Revegetated foreshore landscapes
  • A new safe and accessible link between Jeffrey House and the river

Some elements, such as the western boardwalk connection into Parramatta Park and upgrades to northern foreshore paths toward O'Connell Street, are planned for future delivery subject to funding and coordination with neighbouring works.

This project is part of Council’s commitment to creating inclusive, green and active public spaces. To stay up to date and have your say, follow Participate Parramatta for details on community engagement and project updates.

Supporting the local environment

The project will seek to improve the health of the river by limiting impacts to existing native trees and habitat, retaining trees of significance and removing invasive vegetation. Planting initiatives will contribute to enhanced biodiversity and habitat.

The project recognises the nature of flooding at the Parramatta River and is committed to implement infrastructure that is flood resilient.

Creating more active transport connections

Western River Precinct Connections will address critical missing pedestrian and cycling links in the river foreshore corridor that will better link key destinations such as Parramatta Park, CommBank Stadium, the City Centre, Riverside Theatres and the future Powerhouse Parramatta - Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

annotated aerial view of parramatta cbd with western river precinct map

 

Project key dates

  • Mid-2024 to late-2025 design
    investigations and concept design, options testing, public exhibition, design refinement, detailed design and documentation
  • Late-2025 to early-2026 construction planning
    tender, tender award, execution
  • Early-2026 construction begins
    construction anticipated to commence
  • Late-2027 construction ends
    Construction planned to conclude, subject to weather, supply and site conditions.

 

nsw government logo

 

The $28.3 million Western Parramatta River and CBD Precinct Connections project is funded by the NSW Government through its Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. The program is providing $2 billion to fund transformational infrastructure projects across Western Sydney.

For more information, see Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program. 

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