This document provides a design and activation plan for a 1.5km stretch of the Parramatta River foreshore in Parramatta City. It aims to enhance the river as a public asset by improving connections to and along the foreshore, activating the space with mixed uses, and ensuring new development considers heritage and the environment. Key elements include River Squares with terraces and cafes; a cultural quarter focused on arts and events; and turning a section of the river into an "urban beach". The plan is broken into river quarters with specific design proposals to achieve the objectives of activating the space and strengthening the city's connection to the river.

1. PARRAMATTA CITY RIVER STRATEGY
DESIGN AND ACTIVATION PLAN
GRISH PAIT 018
KAUSTUBH UMEKAR 023
SANDESH RAGIT 048
SHUBHAM HIRKNEY 054

2. BACKGROUND
• The Parramatta River is an intermediate tide dominated, drowned valley located in Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia.
• The banks of Parramatta River have been inhabited for thousands of years, providing fresh water,
food and transport for the Aboriginal clans that lived along its course. After Europeans arrived
these activities continued, contributing to the growth of Parramatta City and development of
Sydney.
• Like many other cities around the world, Parramatta has gradually turned its back on the river
foreshore. Industrialisation and car-orientated town planning has led to Parramatta River’s edges
being engineered and disconnected from the surrounding urban structure.
• The Parramatta River City Plan builds on regional and local planning instruments and studies
previously undertaken by Council. It has been informed by a multi-disciplinary project team that
comprises expertise in Flood Mitigation, European Heritage, Aboriginal Archaeology, Lighting,
Water Sensitive Urban Design [WSUD] and Accessibility. It through this combination of disciplines
that a thorough and well considered plan has been proposed.

3. Project covers an area of 30 hectares along 1.5
kilometres of riverfront.

4. OBJECTIVE
–– TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE PARRAMATTA RIVER FORESHORE AS A VALUED PUBLIC DOMAIN
AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSET WITH APPROPRIATE NEW DEVELOPMENT;
–– TO REINFORCE AND ACTIVATE THE RIVER FORESHORE;
–– TO ENHANCE VIEWS TO THE RIVER FORESHORE;
–– TO IMPROVE CONNECTIONS TO AND ALONG THE RIVER FORESHORE;
–– TO ENHANCE SAFETY AND AMENITY ALONG THE RIVERFRONT; AND
–– TO ENSURE HISTORIC LINKAGES BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE RIVER ARE RETAINED, ENHANCED
AND INTERPRETED FOR GENERAL PUBLIC.

5. VISION
1. Provide pedestrian links, promenades and/ or colonnades along or in
proximity to the river foreshore;
2. Provide robust ground level spaces designed to accommodate
flood inundation.
3. Enhance safety and amenity along the river front;
–– Incorporate passive surveillance of the river front from development.
–– Maximise active uses along the river front, particularly on the south bank, with cafes,
restaurants.
–– Provide multi-use or flexible use facilities, to activate the river front through out the day,
and throughout the year;
–– Maximise pedestrian access and connectivity along the river edge;

6. VISION
4. Consider developing community facilities on river edge sites which reinforce the
urban structure of Parramatta;
5. Integrate public squares or courtyards within the design of development along
the river foreshore to provide a system of connected open space and public
domain.
6. Differentiate north and south orientation of buildings by responding to the
aspect with articulation elements, design of openings, appropriate sunshading and
the like;
–– The DCP also provides controls for Floor Space Ratio [FSR] and building height for all the sites within
the study area.

7. CITY CONTEXT
• Topography and Structure
• Parramatta City lies in a riverine valley defined by
ridges to the north and south.
• The main city centre sits between the river and the
railway line. This was the part of the city to be first
settled and surveyed.
• The raised railway line and sunken river create
breaks in the north south views.
• Public Space, Parks and Landscape
• Parramatta City has important large scale parklands to
the east and the west as well as the river foreshore
parkland within the cultural precinct.
• There is currently very little public space in the central
precinct, with Church Street Mall providing the major
existing space.

8. Arts and Cultural Uses
The arts and cultural uses currently are clustered along the
north south spine of Church Street. The riverfront is currently
under-utilised as a cultural and recreational resource.
Commercial, Civic and Educational Uses
The commercial, civic, government and educational uses
are concentrated to the north of the station
Street Hierarchy
Transport and Parking

10. DESIGN ISSUES AND CHALLENGE
• Water and Flooding
The Parramatta River runs through the heart of the City
of Parramatta, the focus area of the Parramatta City River
Strategy. The river has a long history of flooding, with
floods and the damages caused been reported since the
earliest days of European settlement. The potential for
serious flooding in the catchment was officially recognised
in the early 1970s with a major flood mitigation strategy
being carried out.

11. LAND OWNERSHIP
• The subject site contains a myriad of landownerships including sites that
are owned by council, privately owned sites and those owner or
managed by other government agencies and authorities. Key point to
note is that the river corridor is split amongst a number of interests and
parties with council being the major land holder and authority lead.

12. DESIGN FORMULATION

13. ACTIVATION PLAN
Building Activation - All existing and future buildings along
Parramatta River should activate the city and river at ground
level;
Event Activation - Event zones are designed to accommodate a
diverse range of events through terraced seating and pedestrian
plaza’s;
Water Activation - Water quality improvements would allow Parramatta
River to be accessed and utilised by paddle boats, kayaks, outdoor
cinema’s and a multi-functional water square;

14. ACTIVATION PLAN

15. BUILT FORM AND STRUCTURES PLAN
• Cultural Landmark Buildings
• Arrival Landmark Buildings
• High Quality Building Frontages
• Heritage Adaptive Re-Use
Cultural Landmark buildings Arrival Landmark Buildings High Quality Building Frontages

16. ACCESS AND EGRESS PLAN
• Shared/Cycle Movement
• Pedestrian Movement
• Access Points
• Service Access
• Public Transport
Pedestrian and Cycle Movement Access Points Service Access

17. LEVEL PLAN
Upper Level - The upper level pedestrian network is established at an RL 7.6 - 13.0 to ensure all buildings are
developed above the 100 year flood line.
Mid Level - The lower level at RL 3.5 - 5.0 and is characterised by flood resilient premises containing cafes and
restaurants. All land uses are protected by flood doors.
Lower Level - The lower level riverside corridor is set at RL 2.0 - 3.0 that allows a continuous flow of cyclist and
pedestrians along the river, connecting all the river quarters together.
River Edge Level - The riverside boardwalks are robust in design to accommodate the high frequency flooding
experienced within the river corridor at RL 1.8 - 2.2
Access Ramps and Stairs All access ramps connect the upper, mid and lower levels together via access compliant
ramps and stairs

18. LANDSCAPE PLAN
• Parramatta River Terraces
• Pedestrian Plazas
• Riverside Public Domain
• Recreational Open Space
River Terraces Pedestrian Plaza Recreational Open SpaceRiverside Public Domain

19. ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES PLAN
A wetland is proposed to treat low flows from the River before they move downstream. The wetland,
approximately 2,400 m2 in area, can treat approximately 2-3 L/s.
Subject to 10 year Average Recurrence Intervals ARI flood level
and velocity check.
Wetland Wetland Rain Garden

20. LIGHTING PLANLighting to enhance built form, including facades, terraces, river infrastructure (weirs, bridges), to
contribute to a complete lighting scheme for both land and water connections.
Lighting to assist in safety and way finding through, creation of focal points including integration
of light art elements, identification of landmarks and meeting places, illuminated signage and
lighting of major pedestrian intersections.
Lighting scheme to consider flooding and flood lines with
robust lighting selection fit for purpose, luminaires with
electrical terminations above flood lines.
Use of different lighting treatments to support approach
including pole lights, façade lighting, projections, light art,
canopy lighting.

21. DESIGN ACTS

22. Principle
• Principle #1 - Establish the River as a City Gateway
• Principle #2 - Realise the River as a City Destination
• Principle #3 - Recognise the Importance of Heritage and Culture
• Principle #4 - Promote River Activation
• Principle #5 - Recognise and Connect the City to the River’s linear corridor
• Principle #6 - Strengthen the River’s Connection to the City
• Principle #7 - Balance the Needs of the Natural and Urban Environment
• Principle #8 - Enhance Landscape and Built Form
• Principle #9 - Improve Safety and Security
• Principle #10 - Promote Partnerships and Integrated Management

23. RIVER QUARTERS
• The River Quarters are;
• River Quarter 1: Kings Quarter
• River Quarter 2: Cultural Quarter
• River Quarter 3: City Quarter [West and East]
• River Quarter 4: Parramatta Quay

24. KING QUATER
CULTURAL QUATER
WEST CITY QUATER EAST CITY QUATER
PARRAMATTA QUATER

25. KINGS QUARTER
• 1. Kings School Boulevard
• 2. Kings School Parade
• 3. Kings School Wetland
• 4. Riverside Walk
• 5. Marsden Street Weir
• 6. Marsden Street Bridge
• 7. Dixon Park
• 8. Justice Precinct Car Park Site

28. Kings School Boulevard Kings School Sports Field Kings School Wetland Riverside Walk
1. Kings School Boulevard
Kings School Boulevard is enlivened cafe’s and sports facilities through the
adaptive reuse of the Kings School heritage buildings;
2. Kings School Parade
A multipurpose ground is proposed which can incorporate training field for
the Parramatta Eels and a variety of local events and public recreation
opportunities;
3. Kings School Wetland
A primary wetland is located south of the community space treating
stormwater from the local catchments;
4. Riverside Walk
A low level shared footpath spans the river edge encouraging a seamless connection with Parramatta
Park and River Quarter 2;
5. Marsden Street Weir
Marsden Street Weir is enhanced through feature lighting and facade improvement, that
sympathetically respond to the weir’s heritage status;
6. Marsden Street Bridge
A pedestrian walkway is located along the western edge of Marsden Street Bridge improving pedestrian
access across the river;

29. Marsden Street Weir Marsden Street Bridge Dixon Park Justice Precinct Site
7. Dixon Park
Any proposed future changes to this building should consider adaptive reuse to
accommodate ground floor retail and cafes;
8. Justice Precinct Car Park Site
A new mixed use development is proposed on the existing Justice Precinct car park site,
improving the precincts interface with the river.

30. CULTURAL QUARTER
1. Prince Alfred sq.
2. Market lane
3. Riverside theatre
4. Water terrace
5. Lennox Bridge portals
6. Lennox Bridge Terrace
7. Riverside Tower

31. DESIGN ACTS-
CULTURAL QUARTER
Focus on the art, theatre and event based recreation.
A new landmark, Riverside Tower is currently being planned and
will sit within a plaza space fronted by fine grain retail and cafes.
The proposed pedestrian plaza can be reached through the new
portal in Lennox Bridge strengthening the river-edge connections.
The planned Riverside Tower located on the south bank sits
opposite a re-modelled Riverside Theatres building. The upgraded
Riverside Theatre accommodates a variety of riverside retail and
cafes complementing the lower level uses within the Riverside
Tower. and activating the river edge.
A Water Terrace cascades down to the river level providing seating
in both day-to-day mode and event mode. A lower level pedestrian
walkway links the Water Terrace through a new portal in Lennox
Bridge to the east and the Kings School and Parramatta Parklands in
the west.
DESIGN IDEAS
1. Prince Alfred Square
– Prince Alfred Square’s historic
character is retained;
– is maintained as a public open
space and event location;
2. Market Lane
– Market Street becomes a shared
street, integrating pedestrians,
cyclists and vehicles in a slow
moving environment;
– The shared street forms a visible
extension to Riverside Theatre
and Prince Alfred Square
encouraging greater pedestrian
use for events and festivals;

32. DESIGN ACTS-
CULTURAL QUARTER
3. Riverside Theatre
• It is proposed to remodel Riverside Theatre to accommodate both an
upper level deck and riverside retail and cafes that front directly onto
Parramatta River;
• The proposed remodelling would form a cultural focal point along
Parramatta River complementing the Discovery Centre located in the
Riverside Tower.
4. Water Terrace
• The Riverside Water Terrace is a pedestrian plaza that steps down to
the water allowing the local community the opportunity to sit and
relax alongside the river edge;
• The amphitheater-like plaza with its urban character will have
multiple functions ensuring both passive recreation and event
activation;
5. Lennox Bridge Portals
• The Lennox Bridge Portals ensure seamless pedestrian and cycle
movement between the Cultural Quarter and City Quarter;
• The Lennox Bridge Portals open out onto well activated riverside
cafe’s and retail uses located along Riverside Theatre and Riverside
Tower;

33. DESIGN ACTS-
CULTURAL QUARTER
6. Lennox Bridge Terrace
• An activated upper level terrace provides a
seamless connection between Church Street
and the upper level of the Justice Precinct;
• An activated low level terrace directly links
Lennox Bridge Portals to Marsden Street
Weir;
7. Riverside Tower
• The currently proposal for Riverside tower
combines apartments with retail,
entertainment, conference centre, and the
Discovery Centre, a new visitor and
exhibition centre;
• The tower will form a landmark along the
river, maximising views towards Parramatta
Park;

34. DESIGN ACTS-
CITY QUARTER WEST
• City Quarter West is centred around River Square,
Parramatta City River’s new premier public space
that accommodates a wide choice of leisure,
cultural and recreational activities. The Square
would be characterised by a collection of river
terraces that allow people easy access to the waters
edge, connecting the City to the River.
• Located close to Church Street, River Square would
be the heart of the Parramatta night-time economy
with restaurants, bars, terraces and Water Square; a
new multifunctional public space that can cater for a
number of uses including but not limited to a
moonlight cinema, water based recreation and
event performances.
• Complementing River Square is the north bank’s
Riverside Terrace a passive recreation space that
incorporates the existing trees, naturally vegetated
slopes and series of accessible terraces. These more
passive interventions ensure a softer transition
between the city character to the south and the
residential character to the north.
DESIGN IDEAS
1. Church Street Plaza
– Church Street Plaza [North and South] are a series of
small public spaces that activate the riverside edge
alongside the Lennox Bridge Portals;
– The adjacent building edges are designed to accommo-
date small scale riverside retail and cafes encouraging a
greater level of activation along the river edge;
2. Water Square
– Water Square is a multi-functional public space that
supports a variety of activities including but not limited to
an outdoor cinema, floating stage, an ice rink, swimming
and recreational bathing;
– Water Square is designed to seamlessly integrate within
the river corridor allowing the community to interact with
the river for the first time in fifty years.
3. 330 Church Street
– A new public square and colonnade increases pedestrian
increases pedestrian space and improves access between
Church Street and river Square;
– Public access through the site is extensive, clear and
well activated by restaurants and retail activities along a
double height frontage

35. DESIGN ACTS-
CITY QUARTER WEST
4. Barry Wilde Bridge
– An upper level pedestrian footbridge is attached to
the
Barry Wilde Bridge, providing a pedestrian friendly
river
crossing;
– A low level pedestrian crossing is located along the
river edge ensuring easy access between the north
bank and south bank;
5. River Square Plaza
–River Square forms the central transition point along the
river corridor establishing a direct link to between the city
and the river;
– River Square is the premier public space along
Parramatta River that supports events, riverside retail and
cafes, public terraces and recreational open space;

36. DESIGN ACTS-
CITY QUARTER EAST
• City Quarter East would form
a visible extension to River
Square and Riverside
Terrace.
• Located within the banks of
Parramatta River would be
Parramatta River’s City
Beach,
• Parramatta’s very own urban
beach where deck chairs,
sand, parasols and sporting
activities adorn Parramatta
River.
DESIGN IDEAS
1. Brickfield Creek
– Restoring a more natural form to Brickfield Creek
Channel outlet, including vegetated banks;
– Improve stormwater treatment prior to being
released into Parramatta River;
2. Riverside Park
– Retain and enhance the existing children’s play
area ensuring the locations position as the major
children’s play space along the river corridor;
3. North Bank Terrace
– A tree top walk retains the existing sloping topography
and trees ensuring a natural sheltered canopy for the
Parramatta community to use and enjoy;
4. City Beach
– City Beach provides visitors and the community a large
beach space with deck-chairs, WIFI and sporting activi-
ties on offer;
– A kayak and boating dock connects to the beach
allowing visitors and the community direct access to
Parramatta River.

37. PARRAMATTA QUAY
• 1. Escarpment Boardwalk
• 2. Charles Street Weir
• 3. River Bridge
• 4. Parramatta Ferry Wharf
• 5. Phillip Street Plaza
• 6. Parramatta Quay Restaurant
• 7. Parramatta Quay Tower
• 8. Parramatta Valley Cycle Way

39. Escarpment Boardwalk Charles Street Weir River Bridge Parramatta Ferry Wharf
1. Escarpment Boardwalk
The Escarpment Boardwalk is established as a low level pedestrian boardwalk along the river
edge;
2. Charles Street Weir
Charles Street Weir is re-designed and upgraded to accommodate a greater footfall of
pedestrian movement between the north and south bank of Parramatta River;
3. River Bridge
An area of the existing riverbank is removed to accommodate high water flow when the
river is in flood;
4. Parramatta Ferry Wharf
A new ferry wharf is proposed to be located along the Philip Street corridor improving the
sense of arrival when entering the CBD;
5. Phillip Street Plaza
A large plaza space is located at the intersection between Phillip Street and Parramatta Quay
establishing an arrival point entering Parramatta Quay from the city;
6. Parramatta Quay Restaurant
The existing Port Bar could be enhanced to accommodate a diverse range of uses maximising views over
the ferry wharf, Charles Street Weir and Philip Street;
7. Parramatta Quay Tower
Parramatta Quay tower is a proposed landmark building incorporating ground floor retail, upper floor
commercial and residential uses;
8. Parramatta Valley Cycle Way
Parramatta Valley Cycle Way should be retained as a cycle and pedestrian route along the river corridor;

40. Phillip Street Plaza Parramatta Quay Cafe Bus Terminal Parramatta Valley Cycle Way

41. EXECUTION STRATEGY
Riverbank Urban Design Strategy, 2009
–– A twenty five metre setback on the Foreshore elevation of
new development
–– The definition of future pedestrian links within the
Riverbank Site area
–– Identification of a 6.4m RL for riverfront development corresponding
to the 1:100 year flood level with a 400mm
freeboard.
–– Location of activate frontages with the percentage of
elevation for active uses defined
–– Building lines, setbacks and maximum development
heights
–– Vehicular access points
–– Precedents for waterfront activation and public spaces

42. EXECUTION STRATEGY
Parramatta City River Urban Design
Strategy, 2011
An urban design strategy was produced due to
council’s
recognition the river’s role plays in contributing
to the
ongoing economic cultural and environmentally
sustainable
regeneration of the city centre area.
The urban design strategy reorientates the city
to the river
and re-imagines the foreshore as four vibrant
mixed use
River Quarters.

43. EXECUTION STRATEGY
Public Domain Guidelines, 2011
–– Establish a clear and consistent public
domain image for
Parramatta;
–– Provide clarity in design requirements and
construction
standards for the public domain;
–– Provide equitable access;
–– Reinforce the streetscape hierarchy;
–– Promote pedestrian priority,

44. EXECUTION STRATEGY
Parramatta Strategic Plan, 2013
The Parramatta 2038 Strategic plan recognises the Parramatta River
Foreshore as a key cultural precinct.
It identifies the river as a physical element that binds together the
precincts strong in history, arts, entertainment and recreation,
building a sense of community and broad shared experiences
around a natural link to the region.
Parramatta Street Tree Master Plan, 2011
The Parramatta Street Tree Master Plan identifies the
River Foreshore precinct as area of the CBD that must
incorporate a tree planting strategy in response to both the
natural and urban environments.

45. Management
• In December 2013 Parramatta City Council issued a tender seeking to engage a multi-disciplinary
design team to partner with council and develop a Parramatta City River Strategy.
• In response to this tender McGregor Coxall was commissioned by Parramatta City Council to
develop a holistic strategy for the CBD portion of the river.
• The council identified in the brief that the purpose of the project is to;
Develop an integrated vision for the riverfront.
Provide a coordinated design and activation strategy.
Realising the strategy will be a long term project involving numerous land-owners, developers,
council and other interested parties to start process of turning strategy into reality.

46. Management
• A collaborative project process has been undertaken, with stakeholder consultation being integral
to the preparation of the Parramatta City River Strategy. This approach has been vital in
identifying key challenges and establishing the project principles.
• The project process also involved client meetings and Project Control Group [PCG] Workshops
• The objective was to ensure that the design of the strategy was based on a detailed
understanding of the complexities of the site

47. Management

48. FINANCE
• The City River Strategy is a billion dollar regeneration plan for the 31ha
Parramatta River urban waterfront in Sydney's second largest metro centre.
• the strategy utilises $200 million of public spaces and cultural facilities on
government land to catalyse adjacent mixed use urban development.
Collaborators
• Parramatta City Council
• Royal Haskoning DHV
• City Plan Heritage
• Kayandel Archaeological Services
• Alluvium Consulting Australia
• Morris Goding Accessibility Consulting
• Steensen Varming

50. THANK YOU