The launch of the University’s new campus, the first university to be located in our CBD, has been scheduled for April this year.

When it opens, it will bring a new market to our City’s businesses and much-needed activation to that section of Church Street, between Eat Street and Church Street Mall.

Whilst this facility is intended to be a virtual campus, we expect that the University’s 2,000 students in the Western Sydney region will be using this campus regularly.

The University is also planning to hold graduation ceremonies and maybe even courses in our Mall. I think this is a great indication of the University’s focus on engaging with our community and making education available to everyone.

Parramatta is very fortunate to have two universities in the area, along with a world-class medical precinct.

In February, about 20 stakeholders and institutional leaders including Council will come together to brainstorm a plan for the future of Westmead.

Chaired by Danny O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Western Sydney Local Health District, the group’s aim is to develop a strategy that encompasses a vision for Westmead, infrastructure costing plan, public domain plan and a planning proposal for the NSW Government on building the future of this important precinct.

This is still very early days but I am excited by the possibilities for Westmead. I am confident that the ideas that come out of this working group will help Parramatta meet the future needs of its residents and businesses.

Council is also busy at the moment with all the events we are delivering this summer, which are drawing visitors from all over the state to our City and generating business for our retailers, restaurants and cafes.

We recently had one of the best ever New Year’s Eve celebrations along our River foreshore and the Sydney Festival, which will open with our very own ‘first night’ spectacular.

The Sydney Festival opening party in Parramatta will be held across three stages consecutively; in Church Street, Parramatta Park and in the grounds of Old Kings School.

Following closely after this increasingly popular festival, Parramatta will be inundated with thousands of families taking part in our Australia Day activities.

I encourage you all to join in all the fun we have on offer this summer. For more information on any of our events, visit www.discoverparramatta.com.au

Clr John Chedid is Lord Mayor of Parramatta