Community feedback invited on plans for Parramatta's reimagined Riverside Theatres

Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres redevelopment is moving forward with the community invited to have their say on this state-significant development being publicly exhibited on the NSW Planning Portal.

The reimagined Riverside Theatres will offer the people of Parramatta and the west a vibrant hub of creativity and attract major Australian works, Broadway­ style productions and opportunities for local talent to thrive.

The winning design, led by COX Architecture with 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra was announced in May 2024.

The reimagined Riverside Theatres performing arts centre is anticipated to welcome over 400,000 visitors a year, with the proposed redevelopment including a 1,500-seat Broadway-style lyric theatre; refurbished 700-seat Riverside Playhouse theatre; all-new 325-seat black-box drama theatre; state-of-the-art 110-seat digital studio; and a cinema with enhanced public spaces.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the reimagined Riverside Theatres is a pivotal part of the City's plans to become an epicentre of culture and creativity.

Lord Mayor Zaiter noted "this critical piece of infrastructure will give the people of Western Sydney the front seat tickets they deserve to world-class shows and productions.

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

"I look forward to hearing our community's feedback on our journey to build a world-class performing arts centre."

Riverside Theatres Director Craig McMaster shared "the new theatre will offer expanded performance spaces, cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and modern accessibility features.

"The iconic design respects Parramatta's rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture with elements that honour the area's historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

"The river front itself will be enhanced with improved public access and features an exciting new riverfront cafe and bar surrounded by an invigorated, more naturalised endemic landscape."

The redeveloped Riverside Theatres, located across the river from the Powerhouse Parramatta, is part of the transformation of the area into a flourishing cultural precinct, and is in a prime position close to the City's renowned Eat Street precinct, with train, ferry, light rail and buses at its doorstep.

The Riverside Theatres redevelopment project is funded by City of Parramatta and the NSW Government's Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

For more information about the Riverside Theatres redevelopment and to have your say, visit the NSW Planning Portal. 

Images. Renders/Concepts for re-imagined Riverside Theatres