Parramatta Wins Court Appeal

11 Jun 2008

Parramatta City Council welcomes the Court of Appeal decision today which has overturned a Land and Environment court decision, preventing the Council from acquiring private land adjacent to a large publicly owned area to build a new Civic Place.

The decision was a unanimous 3-0 judgement.

“This decision is a win for the people of Parramatta and it is a win for all those interested in good urban planning anywhere in Sydney,” the Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Cr Paul Barber said.

“It paves the way for one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects this century in New South Wales. It will breathe new life into an under-utilised area in the heart of Parramatta City and create an urban centre which is economically, culturally and socially vibrant,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Civic Place has never been about depriving a man of his castle but was always about a vision for one of the fastest growing cities in the state. It is about providing inventive public space and integrated community facilities - and Council being able to deliver, in partnership, the massive number of new jobs earmarked for Parramatta in the State Government's own Metropolitan Strategy,” the Lord Mayor said.

At the heart of this large scale commercial, retail and residential development, will be new civic and community facilities, a new library, gallery and heritage centre, generous public open spaces, with pedestrian links to Parramatta’s neighbouring Transport Interchange.

“It is a huge urban rejuvenation project that could only be possible through a public private partnership between Parramatta City Council and the developer, Grocon,” the Lord Mayor said.

“It is a partnership that delivers outcomes for both parties, and a development consistent with the zoning for this city area. Not only will the development create jobs and a vibrant commercial centre, it will also build community facilities and an exciting urban environment which will generate local pride and identity,” the Lord Mayor said.

The applicant can seek leave in the next 28 days to appeal this decision to the high court.

For further information or interviews with the Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Barber:

Media Adviser  

Nicholas Pickard

9806 5070 0414 190 221

npickard@parracity.nsw.gov.au