Penrith City Council has secured close to $30 million of WestInvest funding for two transformational projects – a central park in St Marys and the accelerated delivery of Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, a 32-hectare sport and recreation development in Claremont Meadows.
Penrith Mayor, Tricia Hitchen said the key local projects would enhance the eastern portion of the Local Government Area and create much-needed green spaces.
“Penrith is undergoing its biggest transformation to date, with St Marys evolving into a significant strategic centre within the region,” Mayor Hitchen said.
“The economic and social opportunities created by the direct connection from St Marys to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport through the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line from day one of operations means St Marys will attract more residents and welcome new visitors in the coming years.
“We embrace and welcome this, as through the enhancements to our streetscape, with projects like St Marys Central Park, and our partnerships with businesses, the community and all levels of government, St Marys will be transformed into a modern, vibrant and connected city centre.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Council to transform our City into the place to be – and these two aspirational projects in and near St Marys will bring our vision to life.”
The $21 million St Marys Central Park and Entertainment area project will feature a large central lawn, outdoor performance stage, natural shade and public artwork. It will provide a central meeting place for the community to gather and meet, while the entertainment area will enable local and regional groups and performers to showcase and highlight the area’s abundant talent, the Mayor said.
Importantly, the park will link Queen Street to the local shopping precincts, infrastructure connections and facilities and will help stimulate the day and night-time local economies, she said.
The NSW Government’s $7 million contribution to the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will enable Council to streamline the design and fast-track the delivery of Penrith’s biggest and best sports and recreation destination, which has been a long-held aspiration for the community.
Due to open by the end of 2023, it will also feature a youth precinct, a dog park, areas with fixed and natural shade, outdoor fitness equipment, walking trails and an amenity building.
“In preparing for the future and creating green spaces like these for our community and visitors, Council will continue to cool the city by adding natural shaded areas through tree planting and landscaping,” Mayor Hitchen said.
“Council thanks the NSW Government for recognising the transformational impact these projects will have on our booming City and the many benefits they will provide for our community.”
