Civic Link - Block 3

Council and partners dig in to start work on Civic Link Block-3

Civic Link Block-3 is set to transform part of Horwood Place into a more people-friendly space by permanently closing the street to traffic and creating a new green boulevard designed for walking and cycling.

Featuring 21m-wide boulevards designed for cycling and walking, Civic Link Block-3 will connect the CBD to the Parramatta River and provide a social space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The active transport link is designed to become the cool, green heart, of our CBD with a canopy of 38 mature native trees and more than 3,000 shrubs and groundcover providing character and shade.

Wide, well-lit paths, will offer places to stop, rest, and enjoy the surroundings.

Civic Link will also connect Parramatta Square’s railway and light rail, the future Sydney MetroWest, and Powerhouse Parramatta.

Construction program

The construction will take place in two (2) stages:

• Stage 1 (Phillip Street early works) began in early early-June 2026 and is expected to be complete by September 2026*. All footpaths and businesses in Horwood Place, including cafes offering outdoor dining, will remain open and accessible during Stage 1.
• Stage 2 (Horwood Place main works) is planned to begin once Stage 1 is finished. Outdoor dining licenses will be suspended in Stage 2. Work is expected to continue through to the end of 2027*.

*The work schedule is subject to weather and site conditions.

Civic Link Block 3 will become your favourite place to relax, meet friends and enjoy local cafes.

Outdoor dining – Phillip Street and Horwood Place

• Stage 1 Phillip Street works began in early-June 2026 and will continue to October 2026*. Outdoor dining will remain available.
• Stage 2 Horwood Place works will begin once stage 1 is complete, and is expected to continue until December 2027*. Outdoor dining will be unavailable during this time.

Outdoor dining licenses will be suspended in Stage 2 (expected to begin in October 2026).

Council’s contractors will prepare a detailed staging plan for the construction program that will guide the suspension dates for outdoor dining.

Council will work closely with businesses and provide more information as soon as possible.
*Weather and site conditions permitting.

Next steps

As construction continues, Council will continue to provide the community with updates.