Penrith a winner in WestInvest funding announcement

Penrith City Council’s vision to make Penrith the place to be is a step closer to reality after securing close to $30M funding for two transformational projects in the region.

In late October, the NSW Government announced it would contribute $21M towards a central park in St Marys, and provide $7M to accelerate the delivery of Gipps Street Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said these were identified by Council as key projects, set to enhance the eastern portion of the Local Government Area and create much-needed green spaces where residents will be able to connect, play and be active.

“Penrith is undergoing its biggest transformation to date, with St Marys evolving into a significant strategic centre within the region,” Cr Hitchen said.

The $21M St Marys Central Park and Entertainment area project will feature a large central lawn, an 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.

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.

The opening of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will create a direct connection to St Marys via the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line, creating economic and social opportunities for our residents. Attracting more residents and welcoming new visitors, these enhancements will see St Marys transform into a vibrant and modern City Centre.

Council’s delivery of the 32-hectare Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will be accelerated by the NSW Governments $7M contribution to the project. Due to open by the end of 2023, this will be Penrith’s biggest and best sports and recreation destination, featuring a youth precinct, a dog park, areas with fixed and natural shade, outdoor fitness equipment, walking trails and an amenity building.

“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. Cr Hitchen continued.

“A central park in St Marys will enhance liveability by creating a new exciting space for people from both near and far to come together to relax, play and be entertained, while the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will have something for everyone with water play areas, sports courts, a pump track, passive recreation areas, and more.”

These projects will be delivered in line with a number of other revitalisation projects Council has underway.

Learn more about St Marys Central Park here.

Image Caption: Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen (centre) with Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Treasurer Matt Kean in St Marys for the WestInvest announcement