New conference centre just the ticket for tourism

Monday, 25 February 2019

Penrith’s future as a leading business event destination has been given a boost with the official announcement that the Western Sydney Community and Convention Centre will be developed at the Penrith Panthers site.

The first sod was turned on the $47.9 million development over the weekend; with State and Federal Governments announcing they will each contribute $12 million to the project.

The state-of-the-art facility will include a 1,250sqm flexible space for major events, trade shows, exhibitions and seated functions for up to 1,000 people as well as an underground car park with capacity for 530 cars.

Penrith Mayor Councillor Ross Fowler OAM said business events, such as conferences, are a huge driver for tourism and the development of this world-class facility is a big win for the city.

“Business events are major contributors to our local economy; they attract new visitors to the city and provide a platform for them to extend their stay or come back another time. Having a conference facility with capacity for a large number of attendees will allow us to expand our reach into this competitive and highly sought after market,” Cr Fowler said. 

“Our attractions, spectacular nature features and unique team-building activities combined with our fast road and rail connections to the Western Sydney Airport already create a compelling proposition for domestic and international event organisers. This new world-class venue will ensure Penrith is their first choice.”

The Western Sydney Community and Convention Centre is also set to deliver many social benefits to the Penrith community; providing a modern space for local organisations to run their programs and initiatives. 

Cr Fowler said the development of the Western Sydney Community and Convention Centre at Penrith Panthers is another example of all levels of government working together with local businesses and industries to achieve a shared vision for the region. 

“Penrith is the centre of opportunity in Western Sydney and both State and Federal Governments coming together to contribute to this development recognises the important role Penrith will play in the success of our growing region,” Cr Fowler said. 

The first stage of construction on the Western Sydney Community and Convention Centre is due to start in October 2019 and is due to be completed within two years. 

Photo caption: Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM joined Federal and State Government representatives and Panthers Board members and CEO at the announcement of the Western Sydney Community and Convention Centre.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 25 February 2019.