Parramatta Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Goes Public

Parramatta’s cultural scene is expanding further as the $244-million redevelopment of Riverside Theatres moves forward.

The City of Parramatta plans to begin construction on the project by the end of the year to coincide with the completion of the Powerhouse Parramatta currently under construction by Lendlease.

The theatre and museum, facing each other across the Parramatta River, were a “pivotal part” of the city’s plans to become an epicentre of culture and creativity, the council said.

The Riverside Theatres project comprises a 1500-seat “Broadway-style” lyric theatre, a refurbished 700-seat Riverside Playhouse theatre and a new 325-seat black-box drama theatre.

Enhanced public spaces as well as a 110-seat digital studio and cinema are also part of the plans, which were led by COX Architecture and also involved 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra.

The $1.4-billion Powerhouse Parramatta will be NSW’s largest museum, with more than 18,000sq m of exhibition space, when it opens this year.

▲ A rendering of the Riverside Theatres redevelopment at Parramatta.

Meanwhile, approval for the $300-million revitalisation of the Powerhouse Ultimo was granted last month and construction is expected to begin this year on the plans that include a 2000sq m public square.

The Riverside Theatres redevelopment builds on the current facility, completed in 1988.

The 7414sq m site at 351-353 Church Street is near the Prince Alfred Square Light Rail Station, which opened in December.

The state-significant project was initially expected to cost $188 million, but that has been recalculated by Ethos Urban in the latest planning report.

The project will be funded by the council and the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

▲ The Riverside Theatres from Church Street and the river (top) and a rendering of the new buildings from the river as well as its internal spiral staircase.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said that pending approval the Riverside Theatres should be reopened by 2028.

“This critical piece of infrastructure will give the people of Western Sydney the front seat tickets they deserve to world-class shows and productions,” Zaiter said.

“The redeveloped Riverside Theatres will be one of the main attractions in our cultural precinct, amplifying Parramatta’s unique cultural identity.”