Local Parramatta parishioners from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have shared plans for a new church hall at 10-12 Pike Street, Rydalmere.
The modern hall would feature lower heights compared to the existing ageing warehouses on the site, and improved public views to and from the Parramatta River foreshore.
Also included in the plan is a generous 45 metre setback from the rear boundary facing the river, with a retaining wall, turf and landscaping to enhance the foreshore.
A local church spokesperson said the hall would accommodate a usual Sunday congregation of 1,750 people, but could cater for up to 3,500 during occasional special events.
“The church has been a long-time participant in, and contributor to, the communities of Parramatta and surrounds, congregating at an existing hall in Ermington since the early 1970s,” the spokesperson said.
“Helping others and giving back to our communities are values we hold dear, including through our charitable arm, the Rapid Relief Team.
“We are pleased to share our plans for a new Church Hall, which will provide modern facilities for our parishioners, and significantly improve visual amenity in the area.
“We know the Parramatta Cycleway is a precious community resource, so we have paid close attention to its interface with our site, with a goal to improve views.
“Under the plans we will demolish the ageing warehouses on the site, and build a two-storey, low impact, lower overall building which improves views to and from Parramatta River.
“The hall will be large enough that it can accommodate larger gatherings of parishioners from around the country and around the world, a few times per year.
“That said, the hall will be used mainly on weekends and evenings, and our services don’t feature loud or amplified music, so there will be little disturbance to neighbouring businesses.
“And significant basement and surface car parking would mean there is no need for parking on streets, which again will benefit our neighbours.”
The spokesperson said that like other community facilities along the Parramatta River, such as the new Powerhouse Museum, the new hall will be designed to withstand flood events.
“Extensive flood modelling has been undertaken and we engaged experts to develop a Flood Emergency Response Plan to ensure the safety of our parishioners and neighbours,” the spokesperson said.
“The hall will only be occupied about 10 per cent of the time and there will be no permanent ministry or administrative staff on site.
“Council has long earmarked the area around our current Ermington Hall for much-needed new housing, and our move to Rydalmere would support their housing vision.”
A place of worship is allowable on the site under the current zoning, and the Church has been advised that an industrial area is Council’s preferred zone for a large place of public worship.
For more information about the proposed hall, visit http://www.pbccrydalmere.info.
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