BACKGROUND
In May 2024, Council signed a grant agreement worth $3.5 million from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (Federal Government) under the ‘Investing in Our Communities’ program. The grant aims to boost business and highlight Harris Park as a destination by celebrating the connections to South Asia and introducing Indian inspired decorative elements such as murals, overhead lighting, public art and other streetscape improvements.
In mid-2023 as part of the grant application, Council invited the Harris Park community to get involved and have a say on proposed upgrades to the cultural and food precinct in Wigram Street, Marion Street, and Station Street East (the focus area for the proposed improvements).
Council received a significant amount of community feedback which we have used to develop a refined Concept Plan that proposes several streetscape upgrades, including:
- New tree planting
- New garden beds
- New street furniture
- New bollards
- Overhead decorative lights
- Refreshed pavement
- Mural art
To further celebrate the unique and vibrant Indian culture that has shaped modern day Harris Park, Council also commissioned local Western Sydney artist, Abdullah MI Syed (with Head Contractor UAP Australia Pty Ltd) to develop an Indian inspired welcome treatment in the form of four vertical sculptures (see below). The pillars are proposed to be installed in the southern section of Marion Street alongside the new overhead decorative lighting.
Check out the Concept Plan for further details. Note: this design is conceptual with details to be refined as part of technical designs for construction.
Welcome Treatment - Public Art Proposal
.jpg)
Artist's impression: Abdullah MI Syed Concept Development
.png)
Artist's impression: Abdullah MI Syed Concept Development
What does the artwork represent?
A garland (mala) of 5 flower types serves as a metaphor for shared ideas and a visual language that connects the diverse and Indian cultures residing in, working in, and visiting Harris Park.
Garlands are symbols of purity, honour, beauty, peace, love, and passion. During special occasions, the frames of entranceways are decorated with garlands as a symbol of welcome. Flowers with significant meaning have been used in the design of the vertical sculptures including Marigolds (Gainda Phool); Roses (Gulab); Jasmine (Mogra); and Lotus, which hold significance across Indian cultures. Australia’s native Waratah flower will be integrated as a link to place, acknowledging and honouring history and heritage.
In Harris Park, these sculptures are proposed at each corner of the overhead decorative lighting, with the lighting itself representing space and light. The individual sculptures are inspired by flower garlands, traditionally used as a symbol of welcome.
The placement of these four sculptures is inspired by the stacking of decorative elements found in many cultural performances and rituals in South Asia. Individually, each of the vertical sculptures represent earth, water, fire, and air.
Public exhibition period now closed - Next steps
Public exhibition of the draft concept plan and proposed public art closed at 5pm on Friday 29 August 2025. Thank you to everyone that had their say. Please FOLLOW this page for updates.
Community feedback will be used to help Council further refine detailed designs before construction and completion of the project. Please note that Council must work within the scope, budget and timelines of this grant project. Once community feedback is reviewed, final technical design work will be undertaken with consideration of budget, planning and heritage approvals as well as any site constraints.
This project is proudly funded by the Federal government’s Investing in Our Communities grant program and delivered by the City of Parramatta.
.png)
.png)
