Council to Lodge Appeal

16 Oct 2007

At a Special Council Meeting on Monday 15 October Parramatta City Council agreed to lodge an appeal against the Land and Environment Court’s recent decision regarding the Civic Place development.

On 27 September 2007, Justice Biscoe handed down his decision that Council did not have the power under the Local Government Act 1993 to compulsory acquire properties at 160 Church Street (corner of Darcy Street), 20-22, 24 and 26 Darcy Street for the proposed Civic Place development. Council has now decided to lodge an appeal of this decision.

Parramatta City Lord Mayor Paul Barber said: "Council is determined to proceed with the Civic Place development. The decision last night is the next step for this development, the community and the future of this city."

Parramatta City Council General Manager John Neish said: “The Land and Environment Court decision was disappointing but we believe that the Civic Place development can go ahead. This will ensure the future of Parramatta’s economic growth and deliver further community benefits. I am pleased with Council’s decision to appeal the court’s ruling.”

The Civic Place development will deliver a City Centre which is a more attractive, dynamic and creative place in which to live and work. At its heart will be a unified new library, heritage centre and public art gallery, providing a friendly, interactive gateway to other Council services. Piazza-style public spaces, an independent cinema, sophisticated shopping, restaurants and entertainment will all help create a social hub that operates day and night.

Parramatta has benefited from considerable public investment and relocation of government functions. The recent growth in private investment will be significantly accelerated by Civic Place, bringing new jobs, wealth and energy to our City and our suburbs. Civic Place will put Old Parramatta on the map as well as introduce a shining New Parramatta of the 21st Century.