Parramatta operates in a competitive marketplace and to succeed it is imperative to establish a point of difference among its current and potential rivals; liveability will give Parramatta an edge.
Parramatta currently enjoys an attractive cityscape, cultural and social facilities and many open spaces - tools that will aid its growth and economic development.
Bluntly, these people will ask themselves: What makes Parramatta work for me?
Studies, both in Australia and overseas, have shown that amenity and the local environment are powerful attractors of such workers, which in turn, attracts the interest of investors with R&D and high-technology interests - a virtuous circle is created.
Parramatta, to be sustainable, needs all the talent and brains it can attract.
Two of council's plans to improve the amenity of the city - and so attract these talented people - are the proposed Westmead Town Centre project, adjacent to the Westmead Health Campus, and the Rydalmere Technology Precinct, next to the University of Western Sydney's Parramatta Campus.
The Westmead Town Centre project will support the health campus, the largest health services and medical research centre in the southern hemisphere
State government's plans for the campus, which attracts researchers from around the world - there are currently some 900 domestic and international scientists on the campus - include a major expansion estimated to cost $750 million (2006).
The campus has been designated as a site of state significance in recognition of the need to develop a private biotechnology industry in Western Sydney.
With regard to Rydalmere, council is investigating the feasibility of the re-development of the Brodie Street area into a technology precinct, and is involved in discussions with the University of Western Sydney to establish a centre of excellence in the study of innovation and sustainability based in the precinct.
World-class liveability attributes are imperative in realising the future of these two projects, and the city overall.
The quality of life expected by people contemplating a move to the city includes easy access to reliable public transport; meaningful employment; the natural environment, such as Parramatta River, green space such as Parramatta and inner-CBD parks; restaurants, an attractive lifestyle, high quality urban design and retailing of a high order.
A significant element in boosting the "vibe and buzz" of the city is council’s major events program which is integral to raising the profile of Parramatta as a place to be.
We've proven we are an "events-led city" with events such as the AR Rahman concert, Parramasala, the Sydney Festival and recently, Liquid Cinema, on the foreshore of the Parramatta River, in the CBD.
The Winterlight festival in July will be another string to our events bow.
With the aim of attracting and hosting one major event each month of the year, providing an experience not offered elsewhere, council is improving events infrastructure, events processes and expanding/diversifying the range of events.
The competition attracted 160 submissions from top architects, designers, artists and students from countries all over the world including the United Arab Emirates, China, Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom and America.
Submissions for the 2.2-hectare site, located between Lennox and Bernie Banton bridges, have included multi-functional facilities such as conference, performance, cultural, artistic, retail, commercial, entertainment and residential.
This is the beginning of a very exciting time for Parramatta and we're pleased with the level of international interest. An ice rink in the heart of the CBD is a first for our city and one which will contribute to Parramatta's liveability.
