Work is underway to construct City Park in the heart of Penrith and transform the City Centre.
The 7,000 sqm park on the corner of Henry and Station Streets is set to become a vibrant, green space for residents, visitors and workers to enjoy.
It will feature a central lawn with significant tree canopy cover, themed gardens, public artwork, shaded areas, water elements including misting clusters and ponds, amenities building with green roof, seating and civic area.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the park will attract more people to Penrith's CBD and have positive flow on effects for surrounding businesses.
"City Park will stimulate the local day and night time economy by encouraging people to venture further into the CBD and discover all the fantastic shops, cafes and restaurants on offer," Cr Hitchen said.
"Its prime position opposite Westfield, in the City Centre, and a short walk from the station makes it the perfect spot to meet up, relax, be entertained, get active and hold community events."
Penrith City Council is contributing $12.6 million to the project, with the NSW Government contributing an additional $4 million through the Public Spaces Legacy Program.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres MP said Penrith's new City Park, co-funded by the NSW Government, is about creating a wonderful public amenity and shared open space.
"As Penrith continues to grow this makes sure we have a fantastic green space right here in the CBD for people who live and work in Penrith," Mr Ayres said.
"Converting this site into a beautiful central city park will provide people with a great space to gather outdoors and is a fine example of the NSW State Government and Council working together to deliver for the people of Penrith."
Additional parking was constructed on Woodriff Street last year to offset the small section of parking lost in the development of City Park.
The Allen Place laneway is also being revitalised as part of the project. It will be widened to allow for two-way traffic and refurbished with a paved footpath, vehicle loading bay area, mountable kerb, garden beds, and trees.
City Park will open in 2023.
For more information visit: penrith.city/citypark
Photo caption: Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen turn the first sod at the City Park site.
