Planning Cultural Infrastructure for the City of Parramatta: Phase 2 Precinct Report

Abstract

This Phase 2 Research Report of the City of Parramatta "Cultural Infrastructure and Investment Strategy 2039" articulates the opportunities and needs for arts and cultural infrastructure beyond the immediate CBD and North Parramatta. Its decision making principles are the same as those for Phase 1, being based on the need to address the City’s expressed desire to embrace all types of cultural activity and space within its classification framework, and to encompass all the creative value chain dimensions according to its internationally-informed model of the cultural cycle (see elaboration of the framework and model below). The rationale for its priority framework is consistent with Phase 1’s aim of turning Parramatta into “a dynamic regional cultural hub, successfully catering and sensitive to the diverse cultural needs and interests of residents, workers, visitors and people from the Greater Western Sydney region” (p. 14). It is founded on the requirement to realise this aim imaginatively, equitably and sustainably, capitalising on Parramatta LGA’s growth while securing its future as a major urban centre that attracts and retains a substantial creative workforce making a significant contribution to the local cultural economy.