Push for Penrith Snow Sport Resort Ploughs On

Penrith developer Peter Magnisalis has taken his seven-year quest to transform a horse paddock into Australia’s first indoor snow sports resort to the next step, lodging a state significant development application.

The $400-million Winter Sports World project will host ski slopes and a hotel across 2.35ha at 2 Tench Avenue in Penrith’s Riverlink Tourism Precinct.

Winter Sports World will feature a 300m advanced open run alongside beginner runs and a “snow play” area.

The facility aims to host competitions for alpine skiing and provide a training venue for international and Australian Olympic athletes in freestyle and snowboard.

Other winter sports including ice climbing will also be accommodated.

The project includes a 170-key hotel, conference centre, and restaurants and cafes.

▲ The facade is inspired by snow clouds over a hill and landscaping includes streams and walkable paths.

Architecture firm Collins and Turner won the Winter Sport World project’s design competition this year.

Collins and Turner architect Huw Turner said that the facade was inspired by snow clouds over a hill.

Landscaping will include streams and walkable paths, as well as 8m tall message sticks telling the stories of local First Nations people.

Height limits, economic impact climb

Magnisalis estimates that the facility will welcome 1 million visitors a year, generating $220 million annually for the local economy.

This forecast has been revised upwards since 2021, when Magnisalis estimated a yearly benefit of $74.9 million to the NSW economy, and annual visitors of 231,000.

Those figures were submitted in a planning proposal to Penrith Council arguing for a revision of the Local Environmental Plan to push height limits upwards from 8.5m to 54m, which was approved by council.

In representations to council, Magnisalis committed to working with local residents of a Hometown retirement community who would be affected by overshadowing.

Earlier figures also estimated the value of the project at $300 million.

Penrith is already host to a number of alternative sports venues, including Australia’s largest indoor skydiving centre, and the Penrith Whitewater Stadium which hosted canoe and kayak events during the 2000 Olympics.

An opening date in 2025 is planned for the facility.