A boulevard of broken dreams, a pumping artery, a varicose vein, the Nile River, an economy of the future. There was no shortage of nicknames – and visions – for Parramatta Road at this crucial deep dive event.
And while countless visions have been proposed for Parramatta Road, our brilliant speakers came together with a unified and determined focus: if not now, when? With the opening of WestConnex, increased nearby rail capacity, and a chronic housing crisis to solve, now is the time to take accountability to transform Parramatta Road by:
Integrating public transport infrastructure
Let’s go hard on rapid bus or light rail, as well as active transport and better pedestrian spaces, to bring more people to the area (and get them to love spending time there)! This will also attract more investment and economic activity while supporting existing businesses and services.
Looking back to look forward
This means acknowledging its history and Indigenous roots as a vital corridor connecting people from the mountains to the sea. We must push for coordinated governance and a comprehensive strategy to align land use planning and transport initiatives that help Parramatta Road fulfil its original historical purpose.
Building density done well
Density done well in Parramatta Road will provide the housing we need, with green spaces, retail and essential services that are vital to thriving, well-connected communities within cultural and economic hubs.