The Parramatta River has been a lifeline for the Dharug Nation and Burramattagal people for thousands of years and holds deep cultural significance, while carrying the weight of colonial trauma.
Rydalmere sits on the northern shore of this ancient waterway, central to the cultural life of the Dharug Nation and Burramattagal people, known as the ‘people of the eel place’.
Major infrastructure investment and population growth are creating pressures for urban development along the river corridor.
City of Parramatta Council envisions transforming the river into a continuous parkland that celebrates shared values, improves accessibility and restores ecological health, coinciding with Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 linking the city centre to Sydney Olympic Park via Rydalmere.
The studio explores transitioning from low-density suburban housing to more compact forms while protecting natural systems and river health, and developing strategies for communal, sustainable living that respect cultural heritage and ecological resilience.
With thanks to the following contributors and critics:
Shirin Adorbehi (Cox), Tooran Alizadeh (ADP), Amy Bendall (City of Sydney Council), Justin Cawley (City of Ryde Council), Michelle Cramer (Frazer-Nash Consultancy), Thomas Hale (Warren and Mahoney), Peter Hill (City of Sydney Council), Jan McCredie (City of Parramatta Council), Russell Olsson (Olsson Associates Architects), Dan Pantelas (Colliers / Ethos Urban), Ha Thai (ADP), Ian Woodcock (ADP)
