Proposed “manufacturing powerhouse” in Penrith

A new proposal seeks to refurbish an existing industrial site in Penrith to attract micro and medium sized manufacturers.

The Development Application (DA) submitted by Stimson Urban & Regional Planning on behalf of site owners AonAri, seeks to redevelop the 12-hectare site on Castlereagh Road over five stages.

Stage 1 seeks to refurbish the existing building, previously home to Crane Enfield Metals, to prepare it to accommodate new industrial tenancies. Later stages of the project involve constructing additional industrial buildings, and three multi-deck car parks.

According to the application “This proposal seeks to establish a manufacturing ‘hub’ that will provide opportunities for small floor-plate manufacturers to utilise space within an overall precinct environment”. The site is currently home to Capral Aluminium, who would continue as a tenant after the refurbishment should the proposed works be approved.

In a statement supplied with the application, AonAri expressed its vision for the site;
“AonAri has purchased 2115 Castlereagh Road, Penrith and is committed to employment and manufacturing. Penrith’s former Crane Enfield Metals site is set for a rebirth amid plans to transform it back into a manufacturing powerhouse, generating hundreds of local jobs in the process.
The massive 120,000sqm site has been under-developed, after the Crane Copper Tube factory closed its doors in 2014. AonAri intends to reinvigorate the existing space and honor (sic) its rich history, bringing it back to life to accommodate a host of micro and medium-sized manufactures (sic)”.

Council has received the DA and the assessment process is underway.

Image: An artist's impression of the proposed development at the site on Castlereagh Road, Penrith