NSW Raises Curtain on $150m Film Precinct

A $150-million movie studio precinct in western Sydney is the latest proposal to fire up the film-making industry in New South Wales.

A proposed planning amendment was put forward for a 41ha site at Penrith Lakes, which was the location for the final scene of Mad Max: Fury Road.

The rezoning near the banks of the Nepean River would pave the way for the Penrith film precinct with 10 production stages, filming tanks, construction and design facilities as well as a film school.

There would also be land for a private 18-hole golf course, heliport and flight path access across the nearby Richmond RAAF Control Zone.

The Landers Inn, a property 8km north of the site, would be heritage listed and used for tourist accommodation as part of the proposal.

The plans add to NSW’s growing list of the movie precincts, which include the $440m Coffs Harbour hotel conversion by Peter Montgomery, Russell Crowe and Keith Rodger.

Minister for planning Rob Stokes said the development would be made possible by a proposed amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy.

“Who needs Hollywood Hills when we’ve got Penrith Lakes?” Stokes said.

“NSW is home to some of the best film production crews in the world, so it’s fitting they have a place to call home in Greater Sydney.”

Minister for jobs, investment and tourism Stuart Ayres said the flood risk in the area would be considered while considering the plan that would create jobs for western Sydney residents in the long term.

“This is a fantastic result for Penrith that will bring jobs and investment while activating a beautiful part of western Sydney,” Ayres said.

“The heritage listing of the Landers Inn is really important because it will ensure the building is protected while giving the public greater access to a historic local building.

“Importantly, the plan also ensures flood evacuation will be considered for all land use proposals within the Penrith Lakes Scheme.”

Five parcels of land were considered for the proposal, mainly on Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith near the Sydney International Regatta Centre, as well as the area around Landers Inn.