Parramatta Smart City Initialising…

The street of the future may be closer than you think with construction now underway on the first stage of the ‘Smart City‘ project which will see Parramatta City street furniture acquire built-in USB charging ports and water misting for temperature cooling.

City of Parramatta Cr Bob Dwyer is excited to announce “the much-anticipated transformation of Phillip Street into a ‘Smart Street’ progressing” as part of the wider $2 billion urban renewal development program.

At a cost of $4.3 million, the first stage will see the footpath widen on the southern side of Phillip street between Church and Smith streets to accommodate outdoor dining areas demands.

“Residents, workers and visitors told us they want more outdoor dining, shade, greenery, and seating within the CBD, and Council is delivering,” said Cr Bob Dwyer.

“Once complete, not only will pedestrians and diners have more space, but there will also be a number of high-tech features that will make this popular street more accessible, cooler, safer and more vibrant.”

The ‘Smart City’ will see condition-responsive lighting, street furniture with built-in USB charging ports, smart irrigation, CCTV, environmental monitoring, parking sensors, compactor bins with sensors, and water misting for temperature cooling.

First proposed by Cr Martin Zaiter in April 2018, the project has been backed by the Smart City Advisory Committee, which includes Cr Steven Issa, and Cr Sameer Pandey.

The original plans from 2015 for the self-described “geographical heart of Sydney” outlined a ‘digital carpet’ paving treatment that could generate sound and power, in addition to other interactive elements such as lighting displays, public art installations and even holograms.

Parramatta’s Smart City Vision described the project as one that would leverage “the foundations of good urban planning, transparent governance, open data and enabling technologies that will underpin our position as a vibrant, people-centric, connected and economically prosperous city.”

Mayor Dwyer believes projects like this will help ensure Parramatta is set up for a strong future, through the use of “innovative new technology to improve the experience and functionality of our City”.

“With a rapidly growing economy, world-class buildings and infrastructure, a thriving arts and culture scene, and soon a ‘Smart Street’, Parramatta is at the forefront of modern cities across the globe.”

The move mirrors WA’s City of Mandurah’s push to use “smart city” technology, with 2019 concept designs for a Smart Street Mall receiving unanimous support from councillors.