The City of Parramatta has cut the ribbon on its brand new 20km escarpment boardwalk that lines the Parramatta River.
Both cyclists and pedestrians will now be able to enjoy the much-anticipated $18 million project, which was officially opened by Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and Parramatta MP Geoff Lee today.
Despite the river breaking its banks just some weeks as major flooding was experienced across the state, the boardwalk was able to open as scheduled.
The impressive river-level path is said to fill a critical missing link in the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, connecting Parramatta Park to the Melrose Park precinct and Sydney Olympic Park.
Two new sets of stairs connecting the path to Stewart and Macarthur Streets have also been installed.
“The new escarpment boardwalk is going to be a game-changer for the nearly two million people who use our riverside paths through the Parramatta CBD every year,” Cr Dwyer said.
“Since the pandemic hit, more pedestrians and cyclists than ever are accessing the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, so the opening of this vital link could not have come at a better time.
“The boardwalk and two new sets of stairs will halve the current travel distance, remove steep inclines and avoid a number of road crossings; providing much safer access for all users, including students at Macarthur Girls High School.”
The project was co-funded by the Council and State Government through the Cycling Infrastructure Fund and Transport for NSW’s Active Transport Program.
Dr Lee said the Council and State Government have built the best continuous pedestrian and cycleway in Sydney.
“Residents will now have the opportunity to walk or ride to work from Parramatta CBD to Melrose Park without going on the road,” he said.
“This will transform the way people move around our City and suburbs and enable everyone to explore and enjoy our beautiful area safely.”
The boardwalk is part of a multi-million dollar upgrade to the Parramatta Quay.
This includes the redevelopment of Charles Street Square, the area adjacent to the wharf, which will have an improved riverfront walk, new garden terrace and an amphitheatre with views over the quay.
These are set to be delivered by the second half of 2022.
“We want to turn the picturesque Parramatta riverfront into a true destination,” Cr Dwyer said.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.