‘Venice-like’ islands along Parramatta River, laneway jetties and rooftop gardens were among the top concepts announced during the judging of the 2011 Ideas on Edge Competition.
Winning designs, from Sydney, Brisbane and Arkansas (USA) were selected after hours of deliberation and awarded for their innovation, the ability to leverage on the site’s waterfront exposure, river activation and viability for a commercial development.
The Ideas on Edge competition received about 150 entries from other countries, including; United Arab Emirates; China; Belgium; Netherlands; United Kingdom; and America.
The Lord Mayor of Parramatta, John Chedid said the range of innovative, attention-seeking submissions demonstrate the international vision for Parramatta as a city of the future.
The Ideas on Edge competition which ran from March – May 2011, called on people all over the world to present an innovative, bold and creative vision for the development of a site covering 2.2Ha, located between Lennox and Bernie Banton bridges.
It’s connected to transport, shopping facilities and Parramatta’s thriving dining precinct, ‘Eat Street’.
The judging panel was chaired by Chris Brown, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and comprised of Professor Janice Reed – Vice-
Chancellor and President of the University of Western Sydney; columnist and author – Elizabeth Farrelly; Sydney-based architect and Executive
Chairman of Hassell – Professor Ken Maher; and Roman Dechnicz – life member of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.
Professor Maher said the top three winners demonstrated an ability to capture the City’s relationship with the River.
Parramatta City Council will now take on board all of the ideas submitted when creating a functional brief for the site.
The council will also consider the long term master planning of the whole site and an Expression of Interest will be issued later this year.
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