Robin Thomas Reserve improvement works

Overview

Robin Thomas Reserve is located within Parramatta CBD next to James Ruse Reserve. It is listed on the State Heritage register. The area was the site of the Parramatta Sand Body and Military Barracks and Soldiers Garden, built around 1790. It is used for football in winter and cricket in summer.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is delivering a new precinct in the northern part of Robin Thomas Reserve, located on the corner of Harris and George Streets, Parramatta. This is the second phase of improvement delivered by the project, following the first phase completed in 2021.

The latest works will include:

• a new amenities building (clubhouse)
• barbecue
• facilities
• outdoor seating
• picnic tables
• landscaping
• tree-planting
• a new car park.

TfNSW has engaged the Diona Ward Joint Venture to complete this work. 

Project status

Construction is underway on the project and is expected to be completed in 2024.

In order to achieve this, there are environmental and construction challenges to overcome to preserve and maintain the NSW state-heritage-listed site.

This includes carrying out sensitive excavation of the site.

Timeframes

TfNSW is committed to restoring this precinct to the community as early as possible, while delivering the care necessary to carry out these works.

Delivery timeframes might be impacted by:

• archaeological discoveries
• protective treatments
• investigations
• heritage approvals.

Earlier improvement works

In 2021, the NSW Government carried out significant improvements to Robin Thomas Reserve as part of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 construction.

Those improvements included:

• reconfigured football fields
• a new cricket pitch
• goal posts
• footpath
• fences
• pedestrian lighting
• upgraded sports lighting
• landscaping.

All the site's improvements have benefited the local community and recreational visitors. With those improvements completed, TfNSW is working in collaboration with City of Parramatta Council to deliver the next stage of upgrades.

Heritage-considered design

Heritage preservation has been a key focus of the project throughout the design and planning of the improvement works. The project has incorporated design elements and materials to reflect the area’s significance as the site of:

• The Parramatta Sand Body
• The Military Barracks
• Soldiers Garden.

Environmental considerations

TfNSW is taking active measures to minimise impacts to the existing land, including:

• ensuring the majority of construction happens above ground level to minimise land disturbances
• garden beds and footpaths are raised to minimise impacts on the land and existing mature trees.

The planned removal of trees is done with Flora and Fauna Management Plans. These outline how flora and fauna will be managed during construction. See more information relating to tree outcomes.

Existing mature trees

The three large fig trees and cork oak tree at Robin Thomas Reserve are being retained and preserved as part of the improvement works. They have been integrated with the new design so they can be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

Community consultation

During the design and planning of the Robin Thomas Reserve improvement works, TfNSW has engaged with:

• local residents
• businesses
• City of Parramatta Council
• registered Aboriginal parties
• the Greek Orthodox Church
• local community and sporting groups
• other interested parties.

TfNSW will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders during construction via:

• project update email alerts
• newsletters
• community notifications
• website updates
• social media.

Every effort has been made to minimise the impact on nearby roads, homes and businesses during construction, and TfNSW thanks the community for its patience while the works are carried out.