City transformation gains pace

2021 is already proving to be a year of action, with several of Council’s city shaping projects moving closer to construction.

Development Applications (DAs) have now been submitted for Soper Place and City Park. The projects in Penrith’s CBD both feature innovative designs and a focus on reducing urban heat.

The $12 million City Park project seeks to deliver a 7,000sqm park on the corner of Henry and Station Streets in Penrith’s CBD. Features of the park include themed gardens, water features, shaded areas and open space.

The introduction of green, open space in a prime location, only a short walk from Penrith Train Station and Westfield, will enhance the appeal of Penrith’s City Centre. Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said “City Park will create a destination which gives our City Centre a competitive edge in attracting visitors, shoppers and workers. More people in the City Centre will stimulate the day and night economy and deliver a much-need boost to local businesses,” Cr McKeown said

The Soper Place proposal seeks to deliver an A-Grade four storey office building with over 6,000sqm of commercial floor area. Below will be a multi-storey car park, which will deliver 600 additional car spaces for Penrith, responding to projected demand for City Centre parking.

The proposed design for Soper Place also includes a dynamic multi-use public space, a public roof top garden and a living green facade. Cr McKeown said the project will deliver a flagship sustainable building which takes meaningful action to help cool the City of Penrith.

“The DA submitted will help reduce urban heat by delivering a living green facade featuring plants from ecologies along the Nepean River, extensive plantings within the public domain and a green rooftop, all of which will contribute to Cooling our City,” Cr McKeown explained.

Stronger connections between Penrith’s CBD and the Nepean River feature in the reveal of the final designs for the Regatta Park upgrade. The $24 million project will include a shaded link between Penrith’s City Centre and the river, with an additional 400 trees set to be planted throughout the precinct.

Regatta Park’s final design reflects the Council and community’s vision for a high-quality recreational destination at the Nepean River. The design activates the space for a variety of uses featuring large open spaces, kiosk with outdoor dining, a fully fenced inclusive adventure place space, and junior cricket oval.

Construction of City Park and Soper Place are projected to start in late 2021, with project completion expected in 2023. Regatta Park construction is due to start in June 2021, with the upgrade set to be complete in 2022.

Image: City Park, Regatta Park, and Soper Place will revitalise the City of Penrith