Arabic version: مجلس مدينة باراماتا يكشف عن رؤية لحي تشاينا تاون الجديد

Parramatta City Council has unveiled a plan for Chinatown in ‘underutilised’ part of Western Sydney. According to ABC News, the proposal includes public art installations, vibrant laneways, and a new civic square aimed at revitalizing the southern side of Church Street.

The plan has been met with enthusiasm from the local Chinese community, who hope it will do more than just rebrand the area. Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter expressed a desire to transform this overlooked part of the city into a hub for new business opportunities, emphasizing the importance of a thriving night-time economy.

Zaiter stated, “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.” The council aims to make Parramatta a significant economic engine for Western Sydney, targeting the creation of 150,000 jobs by 2050.

While the northern side of Parramatta has seen extensive development, the southern side still has the look and feel of Parramatta before the recent development of the CBD. Community members have voiced concerns about the lack of activity in the area, which has fallen quiet as the northern side flourishes. Local residents, including Raymond Chan of Sun Ming BBQ Restaurant, have called for revitalization efforts to bring life back to the southern precinct.

Feedback from the community is being sought until June 23, as residents express hopes for more public spaces and market areas. Community leaders stress the importance of creating environments where families and seniors can connect, suggesting that the success of the Chinatown initiative will depend on addressing broader community needs, including educational opportunities for young families.