Official opening for City of Parramatta’s new library, cultural centre and council chambers

The City of Parramatta has opened its $135 million civic hub at Parramatta Square as the centrepiece of the $2.7 billion project to transform the historic centre of Sydney’s western city.

Featuring new council chambers along with a library with a dedicated children’s section, exhibition spaces, a wellness studio, 20 flexible meeting rooms, sound recording studios and a café, the project has been dubbed ‘Phive’ after its address, 5 Parramatta Square.

Speaking at yesterday’s official opening, Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Donna Davis stated “Parramatta’s dazzling new building has been years in the making, and we are so delighted Phive is now open for everyone to enjoy.

“This space has been designed with and for our communities in mind - to connect, collaborate and enjoy cultural experiences.”

“Phive is a much-needed community facility that will service the needs of the region’s rapidly-growing population.”

The building was designed by Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, Designinc and Lacoste and Stevenson.

The French-Australian consortium of architects won a design excellence competition for the building in 2016.

The building includes a ventilation system that responds to weather conditions as well as other sustainability measures that would allow it to one day be net zero carbon

An open day will be held at the weekend when there will be more than 100 free activities as part of a huge opening weekend including First Nations cultural programs, live performances, a children’s silent disco and opening exhibition Green Thumbs Blue Ribbons, to mark 200 years of the Royal Agricultural Society in Parramatta.

Images: The exterior of Phive Parramatta by Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, Designinc and Lacoste and Stevenson (top, credit: Ben Williams) and the facility's library (below, credit: Michael Bell).