The western end of the Penrith CBD has been crying out for major redevelopment and finally, a $7.35 million project is set to start the rejuvenation process.
On Monday evening, Penrith City Council approved the development of 83-85 Union Road, Penrith, which also fronts Union Lane.
The currently vacant, grassy block is located next to a car yard and unit blocks, and was identified as a key site in the Penrith Local Environmental Plan for commercial space and residential space close to the Penrith CBD.
Owned by Tom Zeaiter Constructions, the block will contain two unit buildings, each eight storeys tall, comprising 48 apartments and two commercial units with ground level and basement parking.
Residents will be able to walk to Penrith train station, only 500 metres away, and the High Street shopping strip.
“We have a very good development application here and we should definitely push ahead with it,” Penrith Councillor Greg Davies said on Monday night.
“I am very happy to support it so let’s get on with it.”
Providing a range of apartment sizes from one-bedroom to three-bedroom, the development will use passive solar design principles and landscaping to meet energy efficiency standards.
Tom Zeaiter, Director of Tom Zeaiter Constructions, said the development addresses the need for a range of housing in the Penrith CBD by providing a mixture of affordable one, two and three bedroom apartment options.
“This project will assist in transforming the Penrith CBD into a more cosmopolitan style of city and will encourage further development,” Mr Zeaiter told the Weekender on Wednesday.
“Depending on construction documentation approval and inclement weather, we are hoping to have the project completed by the end of 2015.”
