The proposed reinvigoration of the town square would see the creation of public open space which will become the focal point for the Merrylands CBD and include areas for the community to come together and meet.
Funding for the project could be made available under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program (PSLP), which makes Cumberland Council eligible to apply for up to $5.5 million after it demonstrated “significant improvement” in development application processing times between September 1 last year and June 30, 2021.
The council nominated the Merrylands Civic Square project which will see the development of a town square running between Merrylands Road and McFarlane Street, to provide a new vibrant heart to the CBD with a multipurpose civic space offering a strong connection and interaction with the adjoining developments, as well as encouraging pedestrian movement and providing a safe and inviting place to meet, relax, shop and celebrate community.
Acting general manager Peter Fitzgerald says the project “will provide a public space legacy in the heart of Cumberland’s proposed strategic centre”.
He said the project was chosen because it “aligns with strategic planning work” and would provide local infrastructure as development progresses.
Additional funding to deliver aspects of the project over and above the allocation of the grant could be provided through money already collected under local infrastructure contributions or through the council’s capital budget.
