Penrith City Council has held the first in a series of events aimed at sharing and celebrating the potential and vision for the local government area.
Council’s inaugural ‘Positively Penrith Symposium Series’ kicked off with AMPLIFY PENRITH CBD, which was held last week for invited local businesses, investors and other organisations.
Penrith Mayor, Tricia Hitchen welcomed attendees and explained how Council continued to work towards a vision for a vibrant, connected and liveable city.
“Today, we convene in the heart of a City that’s undergoing a major transformation. It’s exciting and bold yet based on a sound strategic framework and vision for our City,” Mayor Hitchen said.
“It preserves and links what makes us great, like our amazing natural assets and features, while enhancing the opportunities for new and emerging investment and growth, such as the new international airport on our border, and connection by rail from day one of operations,” she said.
The Mayor provided guests with an update on Council’s city-shaping projects, including City Park, Regatta Park, the Police Cottage upgrade, 131 Henry Street and the Soper Place revitalisation.
The event also marked the launch of Council’s new Investment Prospectus, a guide to the City’s unique opportunities.
“It is a time of incredible growth, smart investment and increased renewal across our City,” Mayor Hitchen said.
“All of this will continue to drive economic growth, provide more local jobs and job diversity, deliver better transport and access around the City, and of course enhance the lifestyle of our residents and visitors.”
Council’s long-term goal of bringing workers closer to home was also discussed during the event, with plans to redevelop the former Council Chambers at 131 Henry Street into a workplace of the future and the planned transformation of 158-164 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains, into a new industrial precinct.
Keynote speaker and social demographer, Mark McCrindle, shared Census data that revealed Penrith’s population grew by 21,000 from 2016 to 2021. The Census also showed that the City’s median population age is just 35, with the number of local families above the national average.
He said the future was changing with younger generations looking for more than just a place to work but rather a role in an exciting area offering affordability, mobility, lifestyle and jobs close to home.
“The future will see CBDs become CLDs – instead of Central Business Districts they will become Central Lifestyle Districts, and that’s why we are seeing more residential, more shopping, more entertainment and events coming into our CBDs,” Mr McCrindle said.
“The vision I’ve seen for Penrith and what’s been discussed this morning is an example of that – it’s making it a lifestyle district and that I think is the future.”
This event is a part of the ongoing collaboration and engagement that Council is undertaking to promote Penrith and the vision for a vibrant, connected and liveable City.
To find out more visit penrith.city/invest-penrith.
