Penrith’s major events capacity to receive welcome boost

Festival and event organisers can look to Penrith for the future as upgrades on both sides of the Nepean River will deliver increased event capacity.

The final design of the $10 million Tench Reserve upgrade was revealed earlier this month. The site sits along the eastern bank of the Nepean River and is already a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

Along with upgrades to play spaces and improved water access, the upgrades to the 14-hectare park will create an amphitheatre to support large-scale events. The location already plays host to Council’s annual headline event Real Festival, and these additions will only enhance the attractiveness for more events into the future.

The investment in the Tench Reserve upgrade is part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Parks for People program. The project will be delivered in partnership with Penrith City Council and other key stakeholders, and is line with Council’s “Our River” Masterplan.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said, “One of my goals as Minister for Public Spaces is to create a city within a park…The upgrade to Tench Reserve is the type of project needed to realise this goal”.

On the Nepean River’s western side, construction has commenced on the $24 million transformation of Regatta Park.

Delivered under stage 1 of the project will be a 112-metre pavilion, a new amenity building, an accessible pathway down to the river foreshore and several over-water viewing platforms.

“Regatta Park is already a favourite destination at the Nepean River and this upgrade will further strengthen its appeal by improving access, useability and creating more opportunities for people to experience and enjoy the beautiful location.” Penrith Mayor, Cr Karen McKeown OAM said.

The Regatta Park transformation is being jointly funded with $9 million contributed by Penrith City Council and $15 million from the Australian and NSW governments through the Western Sydney City Deal’s Western Parkland City Liveability Program.

Stage 1 of the Regatta Park construction is expected to be completed in late 2021, with the full project to be completed in late 2022. Construction for Tench Reserve is expected to commence in early 2022, and completed late 2022. For more information on the exciting changes taking place, visit Council’s website.