Monday, February 10, 2025

Penrith winter wonderland a step closer

NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has visited the site of Western Sydney’s proposed $700 million Winter Sports World development, which was recently granted State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Construction of the project – the largest new attraction project currently in Australia and the biggest ever in Western Sydney – will begin in the first half of 2025, with the facility set to open its doors in 2028.

Premier Minns says the centre will inject $222 million annually into the local economy, contributing $2.5 billion over the next decade, and double visitation for Penrith with 1.35 million additional visitors.

“I can’t think of a better place for Australia’s first indoor snow resort than in Penrith,” said the Premier.

CGI interior image of the planned facility (Image: Deep Hill Media).

“Winter Sports World will be Western Sydney’s jewel in the crown of tourism attractions, and I can’t wait to see it enjoyed by people not just from our state, but from all around Australia and beyond.’’

Mr Minns was accompanied on the site visit by Deputy Premier, Prue Car; Penrith State MP, Karen McKeown and Penrith City Council Mayor, Todd Carney.

They met with Winter Sports World managing director, Peter Magnisalis on the Tench Ave/Jamison Rd site.

“Winter Sports World is a catalyst for positive change for Penrith and Western Sydney, and I’m delighted that the Premier, Deputy Premier, Ms McKeown and Mr Carney can now visualise the tourism future,” Mr Magnisalis said

“It just blows my mind that in a few short years we’re going to have this opportunity for our kids to enjoy something we could have never dreamt about in Penrith,” said Ms Car.

Western Sydney children and young people “deserve the very best, and they’re going to get it”, she said.

Long-time project supporter, Ms McKeown praised Mr Magnisalis’ enthusiasm and drive and said she was excited about the flow-on benefits to local business.

“Western Sydney people absolutely deserve world-class facilities like this. This will put us on the map – Penrith will be the centre of the universe,” she said.

Expected to generate more than 2,700 new jobs, Mayor Carney said “the giant Esky” would be one of the top employers in Penrith with almost as many jobs as Penrith Council.

He said the project worked in with the Council’s vision to become a destination hub, building on existing attraction and activity offerings like Cables Wake Park, iFLY indoor skydiving and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

It was also a major part of Council’s Riverlink Tourism Precinct masterplan to activate the precinct and provide connectivity between the river and Penrith CBD, he said.

“It’s been a long time on the cards but it’s really great to see it finally nearly about to kick off.”

Using real snow, Winter Sports World will include:

  • – A 300m advanced open run for experienced skiers and snow boarders, learn to ski runs and a dedicated winter wonderland snow play area;
  • – Competition venue for snow sports such as alpine skiing;
  • – Ice climbing and crevasse outdoor rock climbing;
  • – 4-star 170-room hotel, conference and function rooms;
  • – Restaurant and cafes with snow views.

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