IF Parramatta Council is successful in building two "iconic" developments in Civic Place, Angela Patterson's Mayan Cafe will be demolished.
She is unsure what the future holds for her business but accepts something needs to change in the precinct.
"This building is going to go," she said.
"I think in the future, it might (turn out to) be a good idea."
The cafe manager hoped a redevelopment of the landmark building on the corner of Darcy and Church streets would flush out the loiterers and rejuvenate the thoroughfare.
But not everyone believes Civic Place needs a makeover.
Sisters Silvana and Flora Jamou travel from Edenser Park to shop in Parramatta.
"These ARE iconic buildings," Silvana emphasised.
"Iconic is something that has been here a while, not something you just build and say is iconic. I think [council] should just leave it."
Ian and Marie Phillips lived in Parramatta 25 years ago but now reside in Lismore.
Walking through Civic Place last week while on holidays, they agreed it was already iconic.
"I think it's nice the way it is," Mr Phillips said.
"St John's [cathedral] is iconic.
"Places like these scream history."
But another visitor, Heather Gingis, of the Blue Mountains, thought an appropriate redesign could revitalise the place.
"My impression is the place is quite depressed," she said.
Lord mayor Lorraine Wearne told the Re-Thinking Sydney forum at the Opera House last week that the council would commission two new buildings for Civic Place.