Accusations have surfaced suggesting the former government mishandled works around the historic 200-year-old Royal Oak Hotel of Parramatta, demolished to make way for a new light rail.
There has been a hotel on the site, on the corner of Church and Ross Streets, since 1813. In 1823 settler John Tunks built the pub that has stood since, originally named the Shamrock, Rose & Thistle.
Despite considerable public outcry, it was forcibly acquired by Transport NSW and torn down in 2020 to make way for the Parramatta Light Rail.
But three years later, angry locals have joined politicians accusing Transport NSW of removing it for no reason, suggesting it is no longer needed and saying the site was used only for storage during the light rail construction.
Suzette Meade, part of North Parramatta Residents Action Group, told 2GB seeing the vacant lot grow weeds was like “a dagger in the heart”.
Although the rail line was never slated to pass through the actual site, it was reportedly necessary to acquire the lot and demolish the Royal Oak Hotel building as it was located very close to the Church Street kerb, with its awning overhanging the footpath.
Plans called for widening the road to accommodate the tracks, and the sidewalk, which could now easily fit another vehicle. It was said most businesses on the street are further set back from the road, meaning Church St could be widened without encroaching on the private land.
But the authority responsible maintains it had not “made a mistake”, Transport NSW’ Glen Mace claiming to 7News over half the hotel extended into the road.
Acting Premier Prue Car says the destruction of the historic pub occurred for “no reason”, telling a press conference that the “previous government has a lot to answer for”.
Mayor of Parramatta., Sameer Pandey, was a councillor in 2020 and opposed the demolition, and is now lobbying for what’s left of the site to become a community park.
