A unique and innovative addition to Parramatta’s CBD is on the horizon, with a winning design for the new home of Parramatta Mission selected.
‘The Gathering Place’ by Architects Durbach Block Jaggers was chosen, following a design excellence competition held by the Mission, in conjunction with the City of Parramatta Council.
The new centre will no doubt be a contrast to the city’s high-rise glass towers, but complements the adjacent Leigh Memorial Church.
Parramatta Mission board and Church Council member, Ian Gray said The Gathering Place reflects a commitment to serving the Parramatta community.
“It will house Parramatta Mission’s staff, be a centre for its social services and a place of meeting,” he said.
“Through the life and witness of its congregations and through its delivery of social services, Parramatta Mission is seeking to redevelop this site to be a source of inspiration in the life of Sydney’s Central City.
“The Gathering Place will be accessed by people from all walks of life.”
The design presents a soft silhouette, reminiscent of a banksia pod, and will include a rooftop chapel and reflective garden.
It will also include the rebuilding of the spire on Leigh Memorial Church.
Mr Gray said further detailed design work may be required and it is intended to proceed directly to prepare a Development Application once the design is finalised.
The DA will be based on the winning design, using the winning architect.
“The Uniting Church is working in partnership with the City of Parramatta Council in order to reach an agreed position that recognises the loss of development potential of the site,” he said.
“Construction of this iconic community building can then commence as soon as possible.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Steven Issa congratulated Parramatta Mission and Durbach Block Jaggers on the building.
“The Gathering Place is a remarkable design and will be a wonderful addition to Parramatta’s Civic Link – a green, pedestrianised pathway that will connect the heart of the Parramatta CBD to the river,” he said.
“We welcome the lodgement of the Development Application for this building in the near future and look forward to seeing this important community facility becoming a reality.”
The Leigh Memorial Church building is the third church to operate on this site since 1821.
The campus has been a focus of Christian worship and the provision of community assistance for 200 years.
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.