Architects and designers invited to help reimagine Parramatta's Riverside Theatres

The City of Parramatta has launched its multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Riverside Theatres, and is inviting Australian and international creative architects and designers to participate in the design competition.

City of Parramatta is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the first stage of the Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Design Competition from architects and designers to participate in this once in a generation competition and contribute their ingenuity, innovation, imagination, creativity and design talent to shape the future of a reimagined Riverside Theatres.

The selected design will serve as a further catalyst in support of the ongoing transformation of the precinct, in concert with Powerhouse Parramatta, into a thriving artistic and cultural hub.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said the City is investing $136 million into this exciting new chapter for Riverside Theatres, advising “the design competition process marks a significant step towards realising our vision of a world-class performing arts venue in Western Sydney as we transform the iconic Riverside Theatres into the anchor of a vibrant arts and cultural precinct.

“We think big here in Parramatta - that’s why the concept plan for Riverside Theatres features a new 1350-1400 seat lyric theatre, a newly refurbished 760-seat Riverside playhouse theatre, a new 430-seat black-box drama theatre, and state-of-the-art 80-90 seat digital studio and cinema - more than doubling the current centre’s capacity.

“The Riverside Theatres redevelopment will be a major piece of the growing Parramatta night-time economy, encouraging more to visit and take in some of the best stage shows in Australia.

“Through this transformative project, we envision creating a space that celebrates diversity, artistic brilliance, and the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.”

Riverside Theatres director Craig McMaster said it’s a dream come true and shared “our goal is to establish an all-new world-class arts and cultural centre that serves as a nurturing home for artists and performers, where they can thrive and connect with the community on a profound level.

“The new Riverside will also enable us to welcome the very best in mainstage musicals, theatre and concert productions from around the world to play here in the geographical heart of Sydney.

“As we embark on this exhilarating journey, the City of Parramatta is inviting the leaders in Australian and international creative architecture and design to join us in creating an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

Expressions of Interest open today (11th August) and close at 10am on1st September, 2023

Finalists will be shortlisted during September with the second stage of the design competition to follow. A winning scheme is expected to be decided by November 2023.

Work on the theatres redevelopment is expected to start in 2024.

For information about the Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Design Competition go to riversideparramatta.com.au