25 Tonnes of Sandstone Parramatta Square

Parramatta is set to be Sydney’s second CBD with the redevelopment of Parramatta Square and its 6000sqm of open public space linking the transport hub, dining and retail precincts, and commercial and residential zones.
 
Parramatta Square borders Centenary Square and St John’s Cathedral, Australia’s oldest church. The church was built in the Victorian Romanesque style from local sandstone, and developers Walker Corporation wanted to incorporate sandstone into Parramatta Square in keeping with the site’s rich heritage.
 
The original brief was for a 300mm sandstone skirting at one entrance to the station concourse, but this quickly evolved into a wall of sandstone giving a real sense of grandeur and permanence.
 
Di Emme sourced 25 tonnes of stone from Gosford Quarries, a company synonymous with supplying Australian sandstone for almost a century. The raw sandstone needed carving and sculpting, and Di Emme worked closely with two stonemasons for two weeks transforming the blocks.
 
Obtaining accurate site survey data and securing approvals was hampered by the pandemic restrictions, but the final product is a stunning sandstone wall that exudes natural beauty and is reminiscent of the Parramatta of old.