The City of Parramatta Council has narrowed down a list of names for the new civic, cultural and community centre to two, but not everyone is convinced they are the right fit for the future state-of-the-art building.
Until Wednesday, June 16, the public will be able to have their say on two proposed names for the building – Civic Place and The Civic – ahead of its expected completion in mid-2022.
The building, which is currently referred to as 5 Parramatta Square, is located in the heart of Parramatta’s historic civic precinct, which has long been used as a key meeting place.
The area has housed the nearby heritage-listed Town Hall since 1883, and was the previous home to Council and former Parramatta Library.
“This building is going to be the pride and joy of our great City, with a state-of-the-art library, creative and community spaces, new Council Chambers, and much more,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Bob Dwyer said.
“We want to give the community an opportunity to share their thoughts on what this iconic facility should be called and help shape its identity, before its doors open to the public next year.
“This is going to be the people’s building – a jewel in the crown of Parramatta Square, reflecting the vibrancy of our growing community.”
Council say the Civic Place and The Civic reference the site’s past while acknowledging the building as a place for the people for generations to come.
Residents have taken to social media to share their thoughts of the refined name options, with many disappointed that neither option reflected Aboriginal heritage.
Parraparent’s Kellie Darley said she thinks neither speak to the significance of the building or what it represents to the community.
“They are pretty boring and unimaginative and don’t speak to the place or the culture and history of Parramatta,” she said.
“It’s underwhelming for such a significant development.
“I think to announce it during National Reconciliation Week and to not put forward an Aboriginal suggestion was disappointing.”
The names will be open for feedback until Wednesday, June 16.
To have your say on the new name for 5 Parramatta Square, log on to bit.ly/3i4Avx3.
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.