Civic Link

Council, in partnership with the NSW Government, is working to transform the heart of Parramatta with our Civic Link.

When completed, Civic Link will be a green and activated pedestrian spine running from Parramatta Square to the Parramatta River. Civic Link will be the piece of the puzzle connecting Parramatta Square’s railway and light rail, the future Sydney Metrowest, and the Powerhouse Parramatta Museum at the river’s edge. It will be a place that invites our local residents and visitors to shop, sit, gather and move through.

Council’s vision for Civic Link has been established and further developed through strategic studies and statutory planning, including the:

• 2017 Civic Link Framework Plan
• 2017 Parramatta CBD Public Domain Plan
• 2021 Parramatta City DCP

These documents have informed the 4 blocks distinct blocks that will make up the Civic Link.

1. Block 1: Parramatta Square – Delivered by Council
2. Block 2: Sydney Metro West – To be delivered by NSW Government
3. Block 3: Horwood Place – our focus now
4. Block 4: Powerhouse Museum – To be delivered by NSW Government

Block 3 of Civic Link is located in Horwood Place and runs north-south from Phillip Street to George Street.

We’ve developed a design for Block 3 following consultation with local businesses and stakeholders. The design draws inspiration from Parramatta’s history and connection with the River to create a space that inspires calm and tranquillity as people move through the heart of our City.

The draft concept design will enable people to walk and cycle comfortably through the city, with wide pedestrian boulevards shaded by a green tree canopy. It also gives people places to pause, rest, and meet up with friends and family with a variety of formal and informal seating options.

Council aims to design and construct Block 3 within the next 3 years. Council is seeking feedback from community, business and property owners adjoining Block 3 to finalise the concept design.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the City of Parramatta Council 

The Civic Link will be a green, pedestrianised public space and cultural spine that connects public life from the heart of Parramatta CBD to the River.

It will respond to the environmental challenges of an urban, river city as well as to the City’s rich and vibrant history, expressive of and welcoming to people and place; past, present and future.

The Civic Link Framework Plan sets out the vision for the Civic Link, which extends across four city blocks through the heart of the Parramatta CBD, connecting Parramatta Square and the transport interchange to River Square, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) and the broader foreshore precinct.

This strategic document establishes the long term aspiration, strategies, design ideas and recommendations that will define the new pedestrian spine and allow an arts and cultural precinct to flourish within it, with spaces for local businesses, small bars and cafes, makers and collaborators.