Funding announced for Nepean River Regatta Park upgrades

The Penrith community's vision for better access to the beautiful Nepean River is one step closer, following this week’s $24 million funding announcement for upgrades to Regatta Park.

The new park will feature event and festival areas, picnic spaces, river terraces, a regional playground for children and a potential future dining precinct with expansive river views.

The design of Regatta Park is the result of careful planning and community consultation over a number of years, which was formalised in the Our River Masterplan.

NSW Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge and NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres confirmed $15 million in Government funding at Regatta Park this week. Penrith Council will also contribute $9 million to the project.

The funding follows Council's successful application to the Western Sydney City Deal's Liveability Program, which is designed to provide high quality community infrastructure and public spaces to create neighbourhoods that are liveable, sustainable and healthy.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler stated "the great cities of the world engage with their water frontages and now this will be the case for Penrith.

"Our community called for greater access to the Nepean River and more opportunities to enjoy this special natural asset, which is central to our City's lifestyle and identity.

"Council acknowledges both the NSW and Australian Governments who are co-funding this project and working with us to bring the community's vison for the river to life.

"This funding allows us to accelerate the delivery of the project."

The development of the final Regatta Park precinct designs, together with further community and stakeholder engagement, will commence this year. Following this process, construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2020 and be completed by 2022.

For more information visit the Our River Masterplan page.

Images: Artist’s impression of the Regatta Park upgrades (top) and the Penrith Great River Walk (below).