The Minns Labor Government is steaming ahead with the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium amid a major construction milestone as Panthers legends Craig Gower and Royce Simmons stamped their mark, impressing their boot and handprints into the first concrete slab.
The first concrete pour beneath the western grandstand, carried out by local contractor Azzurri Concrete, lays the foundation for the redeveloped stadium and marks the start of major structural works.
The Minns Labor Government's $309 million redevelopment, led by John Holland Group, is expected to generate around 500 jobs during construction and a further 650 jobs during operation, providing a major boost to the western Sydney economy.
Penrith Stadium redevelopment will transform the precinct into a modern venue for sport, recreation and entertainment, offering a superior experience for visitors and players while preserving the community's family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The multipurpose venue is set to attract new sporting events to Penrith while continuing to support the growth of men's and women's rugby league, football and rugby union in Western Sydney.
Beyond sporting events, the stadium will be able to host up to 10 concerts every year with a capacity of 30,000, and smaller spaces will be available for private events such as meetings, conferences, and catered functions.
There will be additional food and beverage outlets along with enhanced amenities. New open spaces will be accessible to the public on non-event days and upgraded amenities will ensure the venue is inclusive for people of all abilities, with wheelchair viewing spots increasing by threefold.
A growing list of Western Sydney-based businesses have already been engaged on the project, including First Nations-owned Doolan Plumbing, Stowe Australia, Austral Steel Fixing Australia, Quality Rigging Services Australia, Performance Access Resources, Borgers, New Edge Group, Cherrie Civil, Western Precast, and Wagstaff Piling, with more to come.
These partnerships are helping local small and medium enterprises grow their profiles and gain valuable experience on a complex, state-significant project that will be celebrated by locals and visitors for decades to come.
To find out more, visit the Penrith Stadium website.
Minister for Lands and Property, and Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:
"The first concrete pour is the next exciting step in the construction of the Minns Labor Government's brand new $309 million Penrith Stadium, and we are thrilled to be part of this moment alongside Panthers legends.
"Craig and Royce have already left their mark at the old stadium with match-wining moments, and now they have literally stamped their mark in the foundations of the new one!
"With new facilities and enhanced amenities, the new Penrith Stadium will elevate the game day and event atmosphere by offering better views, and improved and more accessible seating.
"This precinct won't just be for sports fans but for the whole community, with year-round access to public amenities, including the playing field and multipurpose courts, and the ability to host concerts and other entertainment."
Penrith MP Karen McKeown said:
"We know what Penrith Stadium means to the community and the vital role it plays in the local economy, so it's great we have familiar faces from the Penrith Panthers taking the time to mark this exciting new milestone in the stadium's future.
"Not only is this project generating hundreds of local jobs during construction, it will also support about 650 jobs during operation, and provide a huge boost to local businesses on event days.
"This project continues to support as many local contractors on the job as possible, including Azzuri Concrete, and for Penrith Panther fans the concrete pour brings them one step closer to returning to their home ground."
