The launch of ‘Parramatta Lanes’ in October was another step in the City of Parramatta’s program to activate and revitalise its small spaces.
Part of the wider program for the Crave Sydney International Food Festival and occurring across four evenings in October, ‘Parramatta Lanes’ energised the CBD’s hidden network of laneways through positive engagement with local vendors, residents and workers.
With each lane offering its own, unique theme, Erby Place, Darcy, Batman and Red Cow Lanes played host to over 9000 attendees across the four evenings.
The feedback from the event was incredibly positive, with nine out of 10 survey respondents indicating it made them think better of Parramatta.
The initiative highlighted the value in developing strong links with members of the community – business-owners, residents and workers – in the creation of welcoming, accessible and vibrant experiences.
‘Parramatta Lanes’ followed on from a visit to Parramatta from ‘Project for Public Spaces’ Vice President, Ethan Kent, who made recommendations for additional revitalisation of the City, speaking from the experience of his successful transformation of New York’s Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen and the Meat Packing district.
This is an exciting time for the City of Parramatta, with lots of opportunities for future projects, and Council is exploring further initiatives to continue to strengthen the ties between people and place.
