Safer Cities program

We have installed new light poles and bollards in Parramatta Park from the George Street Gatehouse to Coleman Oval along Railway Parade and West Domain Avenue. This route is a popular walking path connecting the Parramatta CBD to Westmead railway station and Westmead’s residential and health areas. These new lights allow people to use and enjoy the park for longer each day in summer and after work in winter.

This project is as part of Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, which is investing $30 million over 2 years to improve safety for women and girls across NSW. We received $2.5 million to invest in women and girls’ safety in the park as part of this program. We consulted closely with women, girls and First Nations people on this project, and their views directly influenced the type and location of lights selected.

We heard that CCTV and family-friendly night-time places and activities in the park would  make the park feel safe. As part of this project, underground conduits were installed to support a future connection to the City of Parramatta’s CCTV network and future power for low-key night-time family activities. You can read more about the consultation process in the What We Heard Report. 

Light poles were installed at regular intervals from the George St Gatehouse along Railway Parade and West Domain to Coleman Oval.

The light poles along the path have been carefully selected and located, with lighting bollards next to the Macquarie Street Gatehouse, to minimise the impacts on the significant cultural heritage landscapes and buildings in the park.

The brightness, motion sensors and distance between the lights have been carefully chosen to maximise visitors’ night-time visibility and perception of safety in the park, while minimising the impact of lighting on neighbouring residents and park wildlife including the grey-headed flying fox.

Lighting will have motion sensors to increase brightness upon approach and timers for early and later evening modes. Some trees and landscapes will also be lit and we have included provision for the future lighting of the monuments. Lighting can be adjusted to respond to environmental factors as needed.

Lights will be on from sunset to sunrise each night and can be adjusted to help facilitate safe park entry and exit during major events. Full lighting will be on all year round from dusk until 10pm. Dimmed lighting will occur between 10pm and dawn.

Lighting along the boulevard to the George Street Gatehouse also has the ability to project light art along the footpath. We have used this wonderful opportunity to display First Nations art and storytelling commissioned for the park.

> Strategic planning and community consultation

> Detailed design 

> Archaeological digs

> Installation began in March 2024

> Installation complete in September 2024

Read the What We Heard Report 

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during these changes to  the park. If you wish to speak with someone about this project, please call 02 9895 7599.

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