2 - Context & Site Analysis
Parramatta City's Context
In the context of Sydney, Parramatta City is located at the head of Sydney harbour at the edge of the Cumberland Basin. On either side of the Parramatta River, the City's topography is generally characterised by hills and valleys to the north, and the Cumberland Plain to the south. The City's centre is located between the hills and the Plain, along the banks of the Parramatta River, and the River's tributaries and adjacent open space corridors extend as fingers through the City.
A number of hard physical elements traverse the City including the Western Railway, the M4 Motorway and regional main roads such as Woodville Road, Pennant Hills Road, Parramatta Road and Windsor Road. Large pockets of institutional and industrial land uses also differentiate the City including the Westmead Medical Precinct, the University of Western Sydney and the Camellia-Rydalmere Industrial Precinct. Parramatta Park, Rosehill Racecourse, and the Parramatta Speedway are recreational uses that cover substantial areas of the City. Commercial centres such as Carlingford, Epping and Granville, as well as a mix of smaller neighbourhood centres, also contribute to Parramatta's diverse urban fabric.
The impact of all of these elements has a significant impact on the form and function of localities. Designing in context, recognising these broader spatial dynamics of the City, and refining an urban design framework consistent with the objectives of the planning framework, will ensure the future physical form of Parramatta kindles a sustainable, energetic and healthy community.
