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Parramatta has been undergoing a glow-up in recent years. With major plans revealed in 2024 to transform the Western Sydney CBD into a globally leading creative hub, we’ve already seen some of the change in action. Following the news that Powerhouse Parramatta’s futuristic building is officially complete, and recently ranking in as one of the world’s best food destinations for 2026, according to Conde Nast Traveller, it’s safe to say Parramatta is on the rise as a cultural and culinary powerhouse.
Now, Parramatta City Council has unveiled plans for a new Chinatown, with public art, laneways lined with eateries and a new public square. The project aims to further cement Parramatta as a global destination while revitalising an “underutilised” stretch of Church Street in the city’s south with new business opportunities, according to Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter.
"A Chinatown precinct will not only add culture, colour and delicious food to our city, but also strengthen the local economy by opening up the underutilised southern part of the CBD,” explains Mayor Zaiter.
With the south’s Powerhouse Parramatta and Sydney Metro West – set to link the area to Sydney’s CBD via a super-fast driverless train system – still on the way, the area has yet to see the same wave of renewal as the north, which has undergone significant development in recent years.
Local community members say the area was once popular with members of the Chinese community and hope it will get a boost with new community spaces to help bring people back. According to the latest census, 15.3 per cent of Parramatta residents reported having Chinese ancestry, making it the city’s second-largest ancestry group.
Community feedback is currently open on the proposal until June 23, to have your say head here.
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