Penrith Panthers’ $300 million stadium upgrade approved by planning authorities

The redevelopment of the Penrith Stadium has reached a significant milestone with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Department granting planning consent, opening the way for a contract to be awarded and building to start.

Funded by the NSW Government, the $300 million redevelopment will increase the capacity of the Penrith Panthers home venue from 22,500 to 25,000 at the ground with a new western grandstand and a significantly redeveloped eastern grandstand. It will also be able to accommodate another 5000 people when hosting concerts.

All player amenities will be upgraded, female facilities will be a focus, there will be four new change rooms, women’s toilets will be significantly increased, and there will more food and beverage outlets.

There is also a plan to remodel the training field to the west of the stadium with landscaping and the goal of creating a “quality open space for outdoor community, sporting and entertainment events”.

The NSW Government says stadium is set to become a “superior entertainment venue” while turning the hub into a family-friendly recreation precinct.

NSW Sport Minister, Steve Kamper stated “the announcement is an incredible win for the local community and visitors to Western Sydney.”

While the NSW Government’s next move will be to find a contractor, there is a possible issue with the government dealing with a land claim on the site by the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC).

Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, a local Aboriginal land council can make a claim over Crown land that is not lawfully used or occupied or is not needed or likely to be needed as residential lands or for an essential public purpose.

A claim can also be made over Crown land that is not subject to a lease, licence or permissive occupancy that was granted before June 1983 and continued in operation as at the date of claim.

The Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) first raised the issue in 2009.

However, reports suggest that the NSW Government “is confident of working through” the appeal and the land is expected to remain in public hands.

The development is expected to start in 2025 and scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Images: Concepts for the redeveloped Penrith Stadium.