Monday, May 19, 2025

Penrith opens consultation on 24-hour economy plan

OPEN Penrith and St Marys 24-hour Economy Strategy.

Penrith City Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on a new strategy to build a safer, more diverse and thriving 24-hour economy in the city’s two strategic centres. 

OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029 is on public exhibition from 5 May to 13 June. 

Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney said the strategy would help prepare for the City’s future by generating more jobs close to home, more revenue for businesses and offering more captivating after dark experiences for residents and visitors. 

“Penrith and St Marys are undergoing rapid and significant change, influenced by major projects including the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line,” Mayor Carney said.

“This change will propel visitation to our city centres by day and by night, generating a significant demand for an improved 24-hour economy. 

“Our vision for the Penrith City Centre is to become the night-time destination of choice in Western Sydney, while our vision for the St Marys Town Centre is to grow the late night economy with an evolving hospitality and service offering. 

“I encourage everyone to have their say on our OPEN: Penrith and St Marys 24-hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029 to help make our city centres just as vibrant, productive and diverse in the night-time as they are throughout the day.” 

The 24-hour Economy Strategy forms part of the overarching Thrive Penrith framework that supports Council’s economic and cultural development connecting the Penrith Economic Development Strategy 2023-2031, Visitor Economy Strategy 2023-2030, and Cultural Strategy 2024-2031.  

The strategy has been informed by local businesses, industry groups, government agencies and community, to create a shared vision and six strategic priorities to meet the current and emerging needs of the community.  

As part of the public exhibition, Council will host a business forum on 23 May to brief industry leaders and local businesses on the Strategy, highlight the existing trends for the 24-Hour Economy in Sydney, and create an opportunity to hear from local businesses.  

For more information and to complete the survey, go to yoursaypenrith.com.au/24houreconomystrategy.

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