- Sydney North Planning Panel unanimously approved the redevelopment
- Includes a new multi-purpose and cultural building
- According to City of Ryde Mayor, 85 per cent surveyed approve of the proposal
The Sydney North Planning Panel unanimously approved the application to redevelop the Ryde Civic Centre which is set to become the ‘New Heart of Ryde.’
The City of Ryde says this project is set to increase community facilities four-fold with the centrepiece being a new cultural and multi-purpose exclusive to community use.
Public activity and meetings rooms along with function space will be featured in the centrepiece building.
Additionally, a 700-person Edna Wilde Performance Hall – named after the former City of Ryde Councillor and Mayor Edna Wilde OAM – will be a component of the building.
A new commercial building will house Council staff alongside a public plaza and 236 on-site basement parking spaces.
The project will cost $108 million which is inside the budget parameters for the council. 100% of the site will retain ownership with the council which says the project will be funded without rate rises or the reduction in any council services.
The panel said the redevelopment “will make a significant contribution to the Ryde Town Centre,” and remarked that the architecture design is of high quality blending in with the character of the precinct.
Clr Jerome Laxale, City of Ryde’s Mayor, remarked that 85 per cent of community members survery support the proposal.
“The New Heart of Ryde will deliver the facilities that our community has been crying out for,” Clr Laxale said.
“It will allow our local schools, community groups and multicultural institutions to finally have the ability to stage their major events in the City of Ryde and collaborate with other schools, groups and institutions in their field. It will also provide a major boost to our burgeoning arts industry.
“As we navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, this development will also aid the economic recovery of both Ryde and the North-Western region of Sydney by generating and sustaining jobs throughout its construction and activating and revitalising this key town centre upon its completion.”
At the time of publication, the completion date is yet to be confirmed.
