Green space for Penrith’s City Centre gets green light

Thursday, 14 October 2021

Penrith City Council’s ongoing revitalisation of the Penrith City Centre has been given another boost with the Development Application (DA) to build a new $12 million park in Penrith now approved.

The determination of the DA (DA21/0047) for the construction and embellishment of City Park comes as work to prepare the site gets underway. This month, vacant buildings on the corner of Henry and Station streets will be demolished to make way for the new park.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the determination of the DA for City Park is a significant milestone in this city-shaping project and an important step towards the delivery of a new, green civic heart for Penrith.  

“City Park has been a long-held vision for Council and our community and receiving this approval now allows us to get on with the job of delivering this vibrant green space for our residents, visitors, shoppers and workers to use and enjoy,” Cr McKeown said.

“City Park’s prime location, opposite Penrith Westfield and a short distance from Penrith Train Station will create a welcoming, walkable environment which invites people to explore the city centre further and discover all our great shops, cafes and businesses.

“More people in the city centre is great for local businesses and of course a beautiful new green space, with more trees and natural shade and places for people to socialise is a great outcome for residents too.

“Penrith is an exciting place to be right now with unprecedented levels of investment going into creating and upgrading public open spaces across the City which will deliver countless benefits to residents and further strengthens our position as Western Sydney’s most liveable city,” she said.

The project will provide themed gardens, water features as well as more trees to provide increased natural shade, bench seating, public artwork. This new park will also provide a large central green lawn for people to relax, play, meet friends, be entertained and active.

The NSW Government’s $250 million Public Spaces Legacy Program aims to improve the health of the community and provide jobs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will deliver a legacy of safe, quality public open space for years to come.

Demolition of buildings on site will start in late October. Construction will start in early 2022 and is proudly funded by Penrith City Council in association with the NSW Government.  City Park will open in early 2023.

To find out more information visit penrith.city/citypark and https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Planning-reforms/NSW-Public-Spaces-Legacy-Program.

Photo caption: Penrith’s new City Park will open in early 2023 and feature themed gardens, water features, more trees to provide increased natural shade, bench seating, public artwork and a large central green lawn for people to relax, play, meet friends, be entertained and active.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 14 October 2021.