Joining me at the meeting were PCYC Manager Chris Gardiner, Eels Chairman and Deputy Chairman, Stephen Sharp and Tom Issa and Wanderers CEO Lyall Gorman. Once again, partnership has made this project a success and the group wasn’t there to ask for money.
In fact, all of the stakeholders, including the federal government, have committed generously to the project. We had one main message: roll out the red carpet, not the red tape!
A key to the redevelopment of the site is the approval and cooperation of two NSW State Government entities: the Stadium Trust and the Parks Trust, and their support will be critical to the progression. We anticipate the Premier’s feedback this week.
The revitalised sports precinct will include an enlarged and renovated stadium, a high performance centre for our pro sports teams, an indoor pool and new facilities for the PCYC.
Ensuring safety for the Church Street Mall
Our thoughts are with the victim of the tragic fatal assault in the Church Street Mall last weekend. We have been meeting with the police to improve the police presence in the Mall, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
In the meantime, we have engaged a private security firm to patrol the mall during this time so our residents will be as safe as can be.
We want feedback from businesses
Urban design gurus, Ethan Kent and Ed Blakely have arrived in Parramatta to help the Council transform key areas of the City, including Parramatta Square, Church Street Mall and the River foreshore.
We’re committed to ensuring that key gateways to our City are active and vibrant spaces that attract residents, workers, visitors and business, so we will be working intensely with Mr Kent, Prof Blakely and the community to transform our key public spaces and build this City for the People.
We’re honoured to have such internationally-renowned urban designers as part of my City Activations Committee. An important facet of activating urban spaces like the Church Street Mall is that businesses are frequently partners in this activation – especially the hospitality sector.
To share your thoughts about Parramatta’s public spaces, email us at: haveyoursay@parracity.nsw.gov.au.
