Giant bears, rooftop bars and dog-friendly cinemas are coming to Parramatta

In the middle of Parramatta’s Centenary Square, between the historic St John’s Church and the futuristic Intercontinental Hotel, hangs a two-metre-tall teddy bear.

It is supported by a pole and a small rotating handle for shaking each limb individually. Her left eye is a button and her right eye is a camera, barely protruding from the smooth hair that practically covers her face and round belly. It was an enchanting spot for a mother and her small child passing by, but not even for the right eye. The bear, or its two siblings of various sizes, were not present at the Parramatta Lanes festival, which started on Wednesday night.

About 70,000 people are expected to attend the four-day festival, which is in its 12th year. But Parramatta’s new mayor, Pierre Esber, estimates attendance will be 20 per cent higher than last year. For what? Well, Parramatta is “where heaven meets earth”, he insists. But the more practical reason has to do with dogs.

Right next to the Riverside Theatre, across the Parramatta River, Lennox Bridge has been transformed into a ‘puppy culture district’. The dog’s dreamland will feature a silent cinema – to entertain owners while the dogs remain the stars of the show – and a dog agility course, complete with treats Food for dogs and humans.

Artist EJ Son has created the animated bears that will appear in Phillip Lane near the bridge, as a reflection on work and the entertainment industry. “I thought about how robots were created so that humans could escape hard labor,” Son said. “And the entertainment industry has become like that – especially reality TV – and by creating a dancing robot [bear], I can put makeup on it.

“Because it’s an item, I don’t have to feel bad about it,” they joked.

The festival will also see Erby Place’s rooftop car park transformed into an outdoor boulevard with restaurants and bars – including Mrs Wang’s Dumplings and Archie Rose Distilling – as well as a music venue and rap. Friday night, local artists will compete in a rooftop rap competition.

Earlier this year, Parramatta’s CBD was awarded a Purple Flag, as part of the State Government’s new program to identify safe, action-packed locations for locals and tourists to visit after the dark night.

The program recognized areas within the city’s nightlife around George Street, in the Sydney CBD and at Lakemba. It is part of the council’s long-term plan to ensure the continued growth of the city’s night-time economy, which it says is worth $1.1 billion.

The council has set its sights on turning the CBD into a truly 24-hour hub, which will then be complemented by shopping centers and town centers offering plenty to see, do and explore. Esber puts it this way:
“All roads lead to Parramatta.”Parramatta Lanes, Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 October, Parramatta Square. FREE ENTRY.

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