Penrith a winner in WestInvest funding announcement

Friday, 21 October 2022

Penrith City Council’s vision to make Penrith the place to be is a step closer to reality following a major announcement from the NSW Government today.

Council has been successful in its application for 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 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 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.

“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.”

The $21 million 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 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 a well-equipped 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,” Cr Hitchen continued.

“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.”

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

To learn more about these, visit https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/building-development/revitalise-penrith

To find out more about the central park in St Marys and the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, go to:
St Marys Central Park – penrith.city/stmaryspark
Gipps Street Recreation Precinct – penrith.city/gippsstreet

Background Information:

Gipps Street Recreation Precinct
Construction is underway on the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, which is set to open in late 2023. It has been Council’s long-held vision to transform the former waste facility into a landmark sport and recreation destination for the community. It forms part of Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy, a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space facilities across the City.
Funding breakdown:
Total cost - $41 million
Penrith City Council - $27.5 million
NSW Government - $13.5 million (various grants including WestInvest funding – including today’s announcement of $7 million)

St Marys Central Park
St Marys is at the heart of critical planning for the City’s future, with the area set to grow as a vibrant, connected, walkable and liveable strategic centre. The planned $21 million central park will activate the city centre, starting at Coachmans Park, through the creation of a public, green space that will bring the community together.
Funding breakdown:
Total cost - $21 million
NSW Government - $21 million (WestInvest funding)

Photo caption: Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen (centre) with Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Treasurer Matt Kean in St Marys for the WestInvest announcement earlier today.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 21 October 2022.