Written by
22/08/2023
The Planning Minister’s delegate has signed off on an amendment to Parramatta’s LEP to make way for the exciting redevelopment of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre at 351 and 353A – 353C Church Street.
With the existing theatre not fit for purpose, a revitalised theatre will cater well to the needs of Greater Parramatta’s growing population. The project will see the creation of a new 1350-seat proscenium arch lyric theatre, a refurbished 760-seat playhouse theatre, a new 430-seat multi-mode drama theatre room and a 75-seat digital studio and cinema. In total, the redeveloped venue will have more than double the capacity of the existing theatre.
This new theatre precinct was prepared in response to the Parramatta CBD planning proposal. However, the State’s planning department deferred the area north of the river from the proposal during its finalisation and retained the current height control for the Riverside Theatre.
Accordingly, the new planning framework provides the site with varying heights from 13 metres along the riverfront and 28 metres towards Market Street to make way for the new entertainment facility.
Aerial image of the 7000 square metre
Existing on the 7000 square metre site are 3 x theatre and event spaces that attract more than 180,000 patrons to up to 1000 performances and events every year. The redevelopment will deliver a modernised and expanded performance space, which is an important infrastructure priority reflected in Parramatta Council’s cultural and infrastructure plan. Council has progressed with preparation of a visioning document, concept reference design and committed funding to redevelop the theatre.
The new entertainment facility will complement Parramatta’s existing entertainment and culture precinct, including CommBank Stadium, the imminent delivery of Powerhouse Parramatta and the revitalised Eat Street Dining destination.
Subscribe to
Find us
Australia Square
Level 44, 264 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm | Sat-Sun: Closed
Subscribe to
Propertied Insider is a planning and development digital publication dedicated to the NSW Market.
