Penrith City Council endorses visionary long-term plan for St Marys

Penrith City Council has recently endorsed a visionary Master Plan for St Marys Town Centre, setting the stage for its transformation into a thriving destination in Western Sydney. 

The St Marys Town Centre Master Plan strategically leverages the enormous opportunity presented by the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line, ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to support a growing community, while simultaneously preserving local character and fostering economic development. This direct rail connection to the airport positions St Marys as the first established centre to be directly connected to the airport from day one operations, and hence a key hub for future growth. 

Currently home to over 3,500 residents, St Marys is projected to experience a significant population surge, reaching around 25,500 over the next 20 years. The Master Plan also aims to facilitate the creation of more than 8,350 new jobs and the construction of approximately 9,300 new dwellings by 2041.

As one of Penrith’s oldest suburbs, St Marys boasts a rich history and distinct character. It is poised to evolve into a vibrant strategic centre, attracting residents, businesses, investors, shoppers and visitors alike.

The Master Plan was shaped through collaborative efforts involving businesses, residents, government agencies, industry bodies and other stakeholder organisations, ensuring it reflects the community's aspirations for a vibrant, sustainable, authentic and welcoming town centre.

At the Ordinary Meeting held on 3 March 2025, Council endorsed the final St Marys Town Centre Master Plan and accompanying Explanation of Intended Effects (EIE) outlining proposed changes to Council’s LEP planning controls. This comprehensive plan outlines a long-term vision to guide growth and development of the St Marys Town Centre over the next 20 years.

Following a further community consultation process, at the Ordinary meeting held on 28 April 2025, Council resolved to adopt the St Marys Town Centre Development Control Plan and Development Contributions Plan to support the implementation of the Master Plan. These plans are key components of Council's strategic planning package for St Marys, providing place-based objectives and planning controls to guide new development within the St Marys Town Centre and setting the statutory framework for funding and delivery of local infrastructure, ensuring St Marys remains attractive for investment and growth.

The St Marys central park project, which is an integral part of the vision for a vibrant and welcoming Town Centre, has also reached a significant milestone. Community feedback on the draft design concept closed late last year and a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is currently underway, with public exhibition scheduled for the coming months. This $21 million project, funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program in partnership with Council, is on track to commence construction in late 2025.

To explore these plans and learn more about the promising future of St Marys, please visit: yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys.