The State Government has today unveiled the draft plans for the new Penrith Stadium.
The redevelopment will include a new western grandstand and a significantly redeveloped eastern grandstand increasing the ground capacity to 25,000. Grandstands have been reconfigured to maximise seating with premium views between the try lines to be steeper to bring fans closer to the action.
The current capacity is around 22,500.
The project will cost around $300 million but is a far cry from the Coalition’s plan to build an entirely new venue on the grounds of Penrith Paceway. Labor refused to back that plan due to skyrocketing costs.
In a win for fans, more food and beverage outlets and amenities will reduce wait times on gamedays and improve customer experience, as will new scoreboards, sound systems and upgraded lighting.
New player facilities including four new changerooms will help grow female representation in rugby league and other sporting codes.
The hills at the northern and southern end of the playing field will be retained, reflecting feedback from over 3,000 fans, families and community members. Additionally, the training field to the west of the stadium will be remodelled to create a stadium precinct with quality open space for outdoor community, sporting and entertainment events.
The community has been actively involved in shaping the stadium design, which will be placed on exhibition for public comment in coming months, as part of a State Significant Development Application process.
To facilitate the redevelopment, the stadium is expected to close after the 2024 NRL season, and re-open in 2026. Construction timeframes are subject to planning and procurement processes.
Venues NSW will operate the stadium once completed. Venues
“I am delighted to see the upgraded Penrith Stadium brought to life in these exciting new designs,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car.
“This is a very welcome upgrade to a stadium that has been well-loved by the passionate western Sydney community.
“I cannot wait to see the seats filled as fans come roaring in to enjoy Panthers’ games in the upgraded stadium.”
Minister for Sport and Minister for Small Business, Steve Kamper said when complete, Penrith Stadium will 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,” he said.
“Whilst 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, welcomed the feedback that occurred so far.
“I’d like to thank the 3,000 fans and families who provided their input to the design process, and I – along with every fan of western Sydney sport – am so excited to see that the iconic hills at either end of the ground have been saved,” she said.
“As Penrith continues to grow, the new Penrith Stadium precinct will be an active hub that the whole community can enjoy.”
