Penrith City Council will receive the development application for the Werrington Park Corporate Centre before the end of February.
Work is well underway on the $29.5 million joint venture between the University of Western Sydney, Federal Government, Penrith Business Alliance and Council, which will see stage one of the business park facilitate approximately 450 employees.
The Weekender was given an exclusive look at the plans for the first building in the Corporate Centre that will have a five star green energy rating, underground parking, inviting open space planning and a picturesque view over a lake.
“We have been in pre-development application meetings with Council and believe we have met all their preliminary requirements, so all things being equal we should have approval in April and have our shovels in the ground in June,” said UWS Director of Campus Development, Peter Eels.
It was only on July 25, 2012 that Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Tony Bourke, announced that the Werrington Park Corporate Centre was successful in receiving funding from the Suburban Jobs Initiative worth $13.5 million.
The University has been working closely with the Suburban Jobs Initiative team as well as architectural firm Architectus to have the project designs finalised and on track for its completion in mid-2015.
“The Suburban Jobs team have been great, we have held consultation sessions with them,” Mr Eels said.
MP for Lindsay, David Bradbury, who was instrumental in getting approval for the project, said that he is pleased with its progression.
“The funding from the Federal Government was announced last year but progression to the development application stage is an essential part of the process and is coming along well,” he said.
Mr Bradbury added that having the business park delivered on time is critical for jobs creation in the local area, which will relieve pressure on the roads network.
Paul Brennan of the Penrith Business Alliance said businesses have already expressed interest in the corporate park.
Penrith Mayor, Mark Davies said this is a perfect example of public institutions, the business community and Federal Government working to better Penrith.
