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FIGHT FOR CBD PARKING Featured

FIGHT FOR CBD PARKING

Businesses would suffer, says Chamber

PARRAMATTA Chamber of Commerce president Michael Mekhitarian has called for a comprehensive parking strategy for the CBD in light of council’s renewed focus on a plan to take away 800 car-parking spaces.

Mr Mekhitarian was surprised to learn  that Parramatta Council was again looking at closing the Horwood Pl, Erby Pl and former BrandSmart carparks after Parramatta Square was completed.

Council had first suggested the strategy - aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the CBD - in 2011.

It was rejected then, and with Clr John Chedid leading the way, it is set to be rejected again.

Clr Chedid got wind of the plan from council’s administration by being vigilant during the holiday period.

He has successfully called for a councillor workshop to thrash around the strategy and come up with a better solution.

Mr Mehkitarian agreed with Clr Chedid that taking car-parking spaces out of the CBD would be detrimental to businesses and would inconvenience people doing business in Parramatta.

“What I think is needed is a comprehensive study, taking into account the light rail - when we know where it is going,” Mr Mehkitarian told WSBA.

“Once we know where the light rail is going, we will know how much car-parking is needed in the CBD and how much should be on the periphery.”

Clr Chedid said business outside Westfield suffered enough as it was and did not need any more impediment by having carparking taken away.

“Whether we like it or not, people want to drive to the CBD, especially to go to restaurants and business appointments,” Clr Chedid said.

“That is why I called for the workshop in January. The matter will come before council’s first meeting in February.

Parramatta State Liberal MP Geoff Lee also is against taking parking spots out of the CBD.



editor

Publisher
Michael Walls
michael@accessnews.com.au
0407 783 413

Access News is a print and digital media publisher established over 15 years and based in Western Sydney, Australia. Our newspaper titles include the flagship publication, Western Sydney Express, which is a trusted source of information and for hundreds of thousands of decision makers, businesspeople and residents looking for insights into the people, projects, opportunities and networks that shape Australia's fastest growing region - Greater Western Sydney.