Civic Place High Court Decision

02 Apr 2009

"Parramatta City Council is committed to seeing this vital development in the heart of Parramatta go ahead. We will be now working closely with the State Government and the Department of Planning to look at the legislative options to clarify our compulsory acquisition powers and ensure the Civic Place project is realised," said Dr Robert Lang, Chief Executive Officer of Parramatta City Council.

“Parramatta City Council has always acted fairly and properly in its dealings with affected landowners. And as our ratepayers would expect, we have been responsible in offering affected land owners fair value for their properties,” Dr Lang said.

“Civic Place is one of the most significant urban renewal projects ever undertaken in New South Wales and is integral to the future growth and prosperity of Parramatta, Sydney's 2nd city,” he said.

The $1.4 billion Civic Place development will be the linchpin in creating 20,000 more residences and 30,000 more jobs to Parramatta City by 2031. It is central to delivering the opportunities and development for Parramatta envisaged by the State Government. 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.

“Central to the project will be new civic and community facilities for the people of Western Sydney: a new library, gallery and heritage centre, generous public open spaces, with pedestrian links to Parramatta’s neighbouring Transport Interchange,” Dr Lang said.

“While the decision by the High Court today is disappointing for Parramatta City Council we are determined to rejuvenate this under-utilised area and we will deliver on our promise,” he said.

“In these difficult economic times, resolution of uncertainty about delivery of government projects is essential. Councils and State Governments need to be able to deliver important projects of infrastructure and development - and in particular projects for urban renewal,” Dr Lang said.

Developer Grocon underlined its committed to the Civic Place project after having signed a Development Agreement with Parramatta City Council in 2006.

“We will now work with council while it explores its options around compulsory acquisition powers,” CEO Daniel Grollo said.