Rob Stokes / Geoff Lee med rel: PARRAMATTA PARK TO RECEIVE HISTORIC LEVEL OF FUNDING

A $16 million injection of funding for Parramatta Park in 2014/15 will help create a venue that will be attractive to international artists and promoters looking to stage outdoor concerts, festivals and events in Western Sydney.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes today announced $35.4 million will be allocated to Parramatta Park over the next four years as part of the 2014/15 State budget – the largest investment in the Park’s history.

“This funding boost includes $9.5 million to complete upgrade works of The Crescent events space which will enable the Park to stage more open air large scale music events, accommodating up to fifteen thousand people,” Rob Stokes said.

“A further $8.7 million will be invested in new playground and picnic facilities in The Paddocks precinct. The new facilities will include a giant slide, built in trampolines, water play area, and a unique netted play bridge suspended amongst the trees.

“The work will also improve access for cyclists and pedestrians and increase car parking around the playground.

“The Gardens precinct, with its newly conserved George Street Gatehouse, will receive $2 million to upgrade the heritage setting around the historic gatehouse and includes conservation of a small convict bridge.

“This work will complement additional conservation projects to be undertaken on the Park’s other iconic gatehouses.”

Parramatta MP Geoff Lee said the improvements to this historically significant area will enhance the Park’s role as a haven for city workers and residents.

“Located adjacent to Parramatta CBD, this new funding within the next four years, will allow a cultural and historical facelift to occur,” Dr Lee said.

“World heritage listed Old Government House and Domain within Parramatta Park is the cultural heart of our thriving urban city.

“This investment to restore the park to its former glory is the largest investment in its proud history and will firmly place the park as Western Sydney’s premier cultural tourism destination.”