Parramatta Pushes for Federal Funding as Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Moves Forward

Parramatta’s ambitions to transform Riverside Theatres into a world class performing arts venue have moved a step closer, with a contractor now secured for the long planned redevelopment, even as funding pressures continue to mount.

The project aims to significantly expand Riverside Theatres, doubling overall capacity to 2,780 seats and positioning the venue to host major West End and Broadway productions. Construction is expected to begin later in 2026, marking a major upgrade for the 38 year old complex in the heart of Parramatta’s CBD.

Plans for the redevelopment include a new 1,500 seat lyric theatre, a refurbished 760 seat Riverside Playhouse, a 420 seat black box drama theatre, an 80 seat digital studio and cinema, along with new public spaces designed to integrate the venue into the surrounding precinct.

However, the project has been overshadowed by a substantial budget increase. Initially announced in 2023 with a projected cost of $188 million, the redevelopment is now expected to cost $276 million, leaving Parramatta Council facing a $93 million funding shortfall.

Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said discussions with the contractor would determine whether any elements of the original design would need to be adjusted to keep the project affordable. He emphasised that a design optimisation process would be undertaken to ensure the final outcome met community expectations while remaining within the approved budget.

Zaiter also renewed calls for federal government support, after the council’s application for $50 million in funding was rejected. He said the application was lodged under the urban precincts and partnerships program, which has since paused, and confirmed the council intends to reapply once applications reopen.

Parramatta Council is contributing a significant portion of the funding, with the NSW Government already committing $40 million. Zaiter said federal investment was now critical to delivering a cultural asset that would serve western Sydney for decades.

A spokesperson for Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the council had been encouraged to seek feedback on its unsuccessful application and explore other potential funding opportunities. The spokesperson added that current grants programs assess applications on merit and are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in funding decisions.

Despite the funding challenge, securing a contractor has provided momentum for the long awaited redevelopment. If delivered as planned, the expanded Riverside Theatres would become one of the largest and most significant performing arts venues in western Sydney, strengthening Parramatta’s position as a major cultural and entertainment destination.