A proposal for a permanent performance shell in Parramatta Park will help to ignite outdoor entertainment across greater Sydney.
Cedar Mill Group, with the support of Business Sydney and Business Western Sydney, has revealed a new vision for outdoor entertainment in greater Sydney.
Expecting to bring over 2,300 permanent jobs and $450 million to its economy every year, the proposed creation of “state-of-the-art” permanent performance ‘shells’ in parklands across Sydney’s three city centres intend to revitalise Sydney’s live music sector.
The business case proposes shells for The Crescent in Parramatta Park, as well as The Domain in Sydney’s CBD and Thompsons Creek Regional Parkland in Bradfield. The report also revealed the construction of the three shells is expected to cost $350 million.
The venues plan to not only accommodate an increased number and variety of live events catering to greater Sydney’s diverse communities, but create adaptable new settings for recreation and community use on a day-to-day basis.
The proposed cultural infrastructure project is designed to stop greater Sydney “falling behind” when it comes to cultural offerings.
Cedar Mill Group Founder and Managing Director Paul Lambess said that Sydney cannot reach its growth potential while its cultural and entertainment offerings fall massively short of cities like Melbourne.
Instead, he suggests permanent performance shells are the “missing piece” in Sydney’s cultural infrastructure.
“Greater Sydney lacks a permanent home for cultural, entertainment and community based outdoor events, discouraging performances from coming here which, in turn, reduces tourist activity and ultimately disadvantages its economy and residents,” he said.
“[Permanent performance shells] can be destinations in themselves. They minimise expensive set up costs, disruption to public spaces and the environmental impact from installation of temporary infrastructure.”
The shells are acoustical, high-tech soundshell structures designed to improve the sound and clarity of performances, enhancing both the performers and patrons’ experience.
The report said upgrading The Crescent’s outdoor space, which currently accommodates 18,000 people, will be the “next step” in Parramatta Park’s transformation into a great city park.
A mix of permanent and temporary seating is expected to increase capacity, with the rear of the stage to be designed as a piece of landscaped topography that offers a scenic lookout over the Parramatta River.
Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger said evenly distributing the construction of performance shells across greater Sydney will give residents of western Sydney much better access to performances and events.
“A performance shell in the Crescent outdoor space in Parramatta Park is a much-needed addition to Australia’s fastest-growing city, Parramatta,” he said.
“The event space will complement Paramatta River’s evolving cultural precinct with the new Powerhouse Parramatta and the redevelopment of the Parramatta Riverside Theatres.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.