City of Parramatta has applauded the Greater Sydney Commission’s (GSC) vision for a thriving economic corridor from Olympic Park to Westmead which recognises the crucial part Parramatta will play in the future growth of Global Sydney.

Greater Sydney Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull has outlined a plan to create a three city strategy for Sydney with Greater Parramatta and the Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) to be delivered as the Central City.

GSC’s report identifies Parramatta as the “connected, unifying heart” of Global Sydney.

“The Commission has worked closely with City of Parramatta and other stakeholders to create a unified vision for what is a very critical economic corridor, which will be underpinned by the new Parramatta Light Rail,” City of Parramatta Council Administrator Amanda Chadwick said.

“There is a significant amount of investment flowing in to the GPOP corridor and having an agreed vision will ensure a coordinated approach to planning and infrastructure delivery.

“Crucial to this vision will be the delivery of key cultural and transport infrastructure such as Parramatta Light Rail, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) and a fast rail connecting the Eastern City and Parramatta with the new Western Sydney Airport.”

The Commission has outlined four distinct zones within GPOP including: Parramatta CBD and Westmead Health and Education Super Precinct; Next Generation Living from Camellia to Carlingford; Essential Urban Services, Advanced Technology and Knowledge Sectors in Camellia, Rydalmere, Silverwater and Auburn; and Olympic Park Lifestyle Super Precinct.

The report highlights the importance of the 4,000 hectare economic corridor and the opportunities to create jobs, housing and transport connections to facilitate significant population growth in the region.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver Sydney a central city that offers lifestyle, employment, arts and culture and world-class transport infrastructure. The Parramatta CBD is at the core of this vision and needs to be interconnected to the north, south, east and west in order to create a highly liveable city,” Ms Chadwick said.

Council’s recent ‘Parramatta 2021’ report by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that Parramatta will benefit from more than $10 billion worth of investment during the next five years. Economic growth is expected to double and the City’s economy will be worth $30 billion.

“There is already significant investment momentum and work underway to deliver on the vision for GPOP. City of Parramatta Council will continue to work with the Commission and other stakeholders to ensure all these opportunities are realised for the community.”