Stage two competition begins for Parramatta Riverside Theatres redevelopment

The second stage of a competition to design the redevelopment of Parramatta's Riverside Theatres in Western Sydney is now underway, following the announcement of five finalist design teams in early January 2024.

The teams will now further develop their ideas and incorporate jury feedback from stage one.

The brief for stage two crafted in collaboration with Government Architect NSW to define vision, scope, and functional requirements of the redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres.

The redevelopment will more than double the capacity of the existing centre with a new 1,350- to1,500-seat lyric theatre, new 380- to 430-seat black-box drama theatre, an 80- to 100-seat digital studio and cinema and a refurbished 760-seat playhouse theatre.

"We are delighted the response phase is underway and we look forward to a really diverse range of creative proposals for this significant community building," said NSW government architect Abbie Galvin.

Riverside Theatres Director Craig McMaster said each of the five teams demonstrated "exceptional creativity and passion for the vision for Riverside."

"This is a once in-a-generation design competition that will allow one of these architectural teams to put their stamp on the centrepiece of our emerging arts and cultural precinct," City of Parramatta lord mayor Pierre Esber said.

"The reimagined Riverside will be the new home of performing arts in Western Sydney and yet another drawcard for people to visit Parramatta.

The shortlisted teams are:

Teams will present their refined vision in early May 2024 and a winning team is expected to be announced later in the month.