Bold vision for Regatta Park soon to become a reality

Wednesday, 23 January 2019

The Penrith community’s vision for better access to the beautiful Nepean River is one step closer, following today’s $24 million funding announcement for upgrades to Regatta Park.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, the Hon Alan Tudge MP and Minister for Western Sydney, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP confirmed $15 million in Government funding at Regatta Park this morning. Penrith Council will also contribute $9 million to the project.

The funding follows Council's successful application to the Western Sydney City Deal's Liveability Program, which is designed to provide high quality community infrastructure and public spaces to create neighbourhoods that are liveable, sustainable and healthy.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said this is an example of the Western Sydney City Deal delivering for the people of Penrith. 

"This is the City Deal in action - three levels of Government working together to deliver the most important projects for each community in Western Sydney," said Cr Fowler.

The design of Regatta Park is the result of careful planning and community consultation over a number of years, which was formalised in the Our River Masterplan. The new park will feature event and festival areas, picnic spaces, river terraces, a regional playground for children and a potential future dining precinct with expansive river views.

"The great cities of the world engage with their water frontages and now this will be the case for Penrith," Cr Fowler continued.

"Our community called for greater access to the Nepean River and more opportunities to enjoy this special natural asset, which is central to our City's lifestyle and identity.

"Council acknowledges both the NSW and Australian Governments who are co-funding this project and working with us to bring the community's vison for the river to life.

"This funding allows us to accelerate the delivery of the project," Cr Fowler said.

The development of the final Regatta Park precinct designs, together with further community and stakeholder engagement, will commence in 2019. Following this process, construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2020 and be completed by 2022.

For more information visit the Our River Project page.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 23 January 2019.