Penrith plans to grow its sports base with draft plans for a new stadium unveiled by the NSW government.
The $309-million Penrith Stadium redevelopment plans include a new western grandstand and upgrades to the eastern grandstand to increase capacity to 25,000 people.
The news comes on the heels of the approval of the $386-million Winter Sports World snow resort and ski slope for a site less than 2km from the stadium.
As part of the announced plans, the home of the NRL Penrith Panthers grandstands would be reconfigured to be steeper, maximising seating with premium views between the try lines to bring fans closer to the action.
Players will have access to four more change rooms, reflecting the increase in female representation in rugby league and other sporting codes.
Outside the stadium will be a new precinct to host events, replacing the western training fields.
An environmental impact statement is expected to be lodged in the middle of this year with construction to start after the 2024 NRL season and be open in 2026, subject to the planning and procurement process.
Venues NSW—operators of Accor Stadium, the SCG, Allianz Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, WIN Stadium and CommBank Stadium—would run the stadium once complete.
Deputy premier and minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the stadium would be a first-class sporting and entertainment venue for everyone to enjoy.
“The upgraded stadium will be the new beating heart of Penrith, attracting visitors from far and wide, providing a boost to the local economy and building upon the already strong entertainment and sporting culture in Western Sydney,” Car said.
“While this stadium will be purpose-built to host women’s and men’s NRL games, it will also cater for rugby union, soccer, live music and other entertainment events.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said the design responded to a six-week consultation done in 2022.
“I thank the 3000 fans and families who provided their input to the design process, and I—along with every fan of Western Sydney sport—am excited to see that the iconic hills at either end of the ground have been saved,” McKeown said.
Entertainment across Sydney is expected to lift in the coming years with concert caps at SCG cut this month.
