Civic Link - Block 3

Block 3 Construction begins in April

Construction of Civic Link Block 3 will take place in two (2) stages:

• Stage 1 Phillip Street works is planned to begin in early-April 2026 and continue to September 2026*.
• Stage 2 Horwood Place works will begin once stage 1 is complete, forecast for September 2026, and continue until September 2027 *.

*Weather and site conditions permitting.

Businesses will be open

All footpaths and businesses in Horwood Place will remain open and accessible during Stage 1. Outdoor dining will be open in Stage 1. However, during Stage 2 (expected to begin in September 2026) outdoor dining licenses will be suspended. 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.

What will happen during construction?

Work on Civic Link Block 3 will start in Phillip Street. Council will work to minimise disruption and keep the area safe and accessible while construction is underway.

Stage 1 will create a new pedestrian crossing near Powerhouse Parramatta, along with new landscaping and street improvements. A temporary construction site will be set up at the northern end of Horwood Place while this work is underway.

Stage 1 – parking and traffic changes

• Parking changes – 14 on‑street parking spaces on Horwood Place and north of Auctioneer Lane will be permanently removed, and four (4) spaces on Phillip Street will be temporarily removed during construction. These will be reinstated on completion of works.
• A new double loading zone – a double loading bay will be added west of the new pedestrian crossing on Phillip Street. Note a temporary loading zone will be created in Horwood Place during Stage 1 construction.
• Pick‑up and drop‑off access – taxi, Uber, and coach pick‑up and drop‑off will be available at the Powerhouse main entrance in Phillip Street.
• Traffic changes – Horwood Place will be closed at Phillip Street, with traffic redirected via Phillip Street and George Street.

Stage 2 - changes to Horwood Place

Stage 2 will transform Horwood Place into a green space designed for pedestrians and cyclists. This will work mean:

• Road closure – the northern half of Horwood Place will be permanently closed to through traffic. The existing road will be turned into a new public green space.
• Less traffic, more space for people – the new Civic Link Block 3 will prioritise walking, cycling and outdoor dining.
• New paths and seating – wide paths will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists. Seating will offer places to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
• Parking changes – 17 on-street parking spaces on Horwood Place south of Auctioneer Lane will be permanently removed.
• A cool, green space – six (6) existing trees will be removed to make way for the new Civic Link Block 3, three (3) will be retained. Thirty-eight (38) mature native trees and more than 3,000 shrubs and groundcovers will be planted.
• Vehicle access maintained – one traffic lane in each direction will be maintained on Horwood Place (between George Street and Auctioneer Lane).
• Eat Street Car Park stays open – entry and exit arrangements at Eat Street Car Park will not change. Traffic controls will be in place to manage exit via Horwood Place during busy times.
• Public art, including large sculptural seating known as ‘The Pebbles’, bike parking, seating, lighting, water bubblers, misting elements, phone charging points and WiFi will be added.
• Dharug artwork and heritage interpretation will be included within Civic Link Block 3 along with public art, misting elements and large sculptural seating known as the ‘Pebbles’.

Once complete, this part of Horwood Place will be a greener, more comfortable place to walk, meet friends, and dine outdoors.