Parramatta Park Cafe
Restoring a local landmark with a contemporary twist.
Located in the western suburbs of Greater Sydney, Parramatta Park is a world heritage-listed site on the banks of the Parramatta River that attracts around two million visitors each year. After arson damaged the Parramatta Park Café in 2016, the Parramatta Park Trust sought a redesign for the local cultural icon to give it a contemporary look.
The project needed a considered and cost-effective design solution to meet all the client’s needs. The site has important Indigenous and colonial heritage and required no digging on site to preserve the archaeological footprint beneath the existing café. In addition, the client needed to include remnants of the original café in the new building, for insurance requirements.
The APP Group were engaged to deliver extensive Strategic Advisory and Project Management services and come up with a design solution for the café, restaurant and venue that would enhance the nearby environment and recognise its history and heritage. The building was reopened in 2022 after a competitive tender as the 300-seat stylish Misc Restaurant.
During the project, The APP Group factored in environmental consideration for a nearby colony of grey-headed flying foxes. The team restructured how and when the noisier work occurred throughout the day to provide minimal disruption to the sleeping colony of bats.
