Regatta Park
- Details
- Written by Teela Griffin Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
A $24-million upgrade is set to transform Regatta Park at the Nepean River into the new focal point for nature, leisure and recreation and further strengthen Penrith’s position as Western Sydney’s most liveable city.
Key features of the upgrade include two new playspaces, an accessible path leading down to the river foreshore, over-water viewing platforms, a junior cricket oval, functional car park and plenty of green open space for a variety of activities.
An additional 400 trees are set to be planted throughout the precinct to increase Penrith’s green grid, provide natural shade as well as help create a shaded link from Penrith’s City Centre to the Nepean River.
The Regatta Park transformation is being jointly funded with $9 million contributed by Penrith City Council and $15 million from the Australian and NSW Governments through the Western Sydney City Deal’s Western Parkland City Liveability Program.
The Western Sydney City Deal is a partnership between the Australian Government, NSW Government and eight Western Parkland City Councils to deliver initiatives that improve the prosperity, sustainability, and liveability of the Western Parkland City.
A kiosk offering dine in and takeaway food and drink options is expected to further boost the amenity of Regatta Park. The kiosk is being funded and delivered by Penrith City Council, and a Development Application is currently being assessed.
The historic Police Cottage at Regatta Park has been restored and transformed into a café and restaurant, with outside seating that offers diners magnificent views of the Nepean River. It is expected to open in January 2023. Find out more here
More information
To find out the latest news and updates on Regatta Park, please visit Your Say Penrith.
For general information about the project, please email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Plan of Management for Regatta Park
FAQs
Why is Council upgrading Regatta Park?
Council undertook extensive community consultation on the Our River Masterplan in 2013, to provide a strategic framework for the management of the Nepean River and associated infrastructure. The plan proposes a shared vision to celebrate, activate and protect the Nepean River and outlines key actions to connect it with the City Centre, enhance its natural environment, and support active and healthy lifestyles while celebrating its rich history and cultural values.
The upgrade of Regatta Park was identified as a key priority during this consultation, with the community telling Council they wanted greater access to the Nepean River and an enhanced, green recreational space close to the river.
Council recognised the need to enhance both the eastern and western sides of the park and create better connections between the two sides to create an iconic recreational destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The Our River Masterplan is available to download from the documents section located on the right hand side of the screen.
Will access to the river be restricted during construction?
Access to the Nepean River from Regatta Park for fishing, kayak launching or viewing will be restricted during the first stage of construction. There are other viewing decks and kayak launch decks around the Nepean River including further along at River Road (opposite the Lewers Gallery), Weir Reserve, the Nepean Rowing Club and Tench Reserve.
Will access to the Great River Walk be restricted during construction?
The Great River Walk will not close while construction is underway. However, a section of the pedestrian footpath which runs along the eastern side of River Road will be temporarily closed to the public from the end of October 2022, to allow works to be safely carried out along the eastern kerb line.
Barriers will be installed to restrict access to this section of footpath and signage will redirect pedestrian traffic to a temporary footpath on the western side of River Road.
We are encouraging the community to pay attention to safety messaging on signs in the area and to be aware of construction vehicles around the site.
How will noise be controlled during construction?
High noise generating activities will take place during the daytime with work to be conducted within the hours of 7am to 5pm. There may be times when minor works are extended until 6pm to prepare the site for any forecasted weather events or critical site activities.
Council’s Regatta Park Project Management Team will be closely monitoring the site activities to avoid any disturbances to neighbouring residents. We encourage residents to report any noise related issues to us on by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for immediate action.
Where will trucks and heavy machinery park during this stage of construction?
All construction related machinery will park in secured compound to be established by the contractor onsite, with no interruptions to the general public.
Is the toilet block on the western side of River Road still open?
Yes, the toilet block on the western side of River Road will remain open and available for public use. This includes the adult change facility and accessible toilets.
What does the River Road deviation look like?
An aerial view of the River Road deviation is outlined in the Presentation Plan. This is available to view and download in the documents section of this webpage.
What road changes are required in this upgrade?
There are several changes to local roads that will affect local traffic movements. While we understand that these changes may cause disruption in the initial stages of construction, we anticipate they will increase pedestrian safety, improve traffic flow along River Road and provide better access to the Great Western Highway for residents and visitors.
The changes required to local roads surrounding the park include:
- River Road, Emu Plains to be realigned with Lamrock Street, Emu Plains. This includes relocating the intersection from the corner of the Great Western Highway and River Road, Emu Plains 130 metres to the west of where it is currently located to be opposite Lamrock Street.
- The Great Western Highway end of York Street, Emu Plains, permanently closed in November 2022. Traffic is no longer able to turn into or out of York Street from the Great Western Highway. Detours are in place with the realignment of River Road to intersect with the Great Western Highway at Lamrock Street expected to be completed by the end of February 2023. York Street remains accessible from Willow Tree Avenue, Westbank Avenue, Napier Avenue and Vincent Avenue.
- Relocation of bus stop approximately 50 metres west on Great Western Highway (heading West from Penrith towards Emu Plains).
When will the road changes come into effect?
The River Road deviation works have begun as part of Stage Two construction of the Regatta Park upgrade.
As of 16 November 2022, the Great Western Highway end of York Street, Emu Plains is permanently closed.
Traffic is no longer be able to turn into or out of York Street from the Great Western Highway. Detours are in place with the realignment of River Road to intersect with the Great Western Highway at Lamrock Street expected to be completed by the end of February 2023.
York Street remains accessible from Willow Tree Avenue, Westbank Avenue, Napier Avenue and Vincent Avenue.
One westbound lane on the Great Western Highway between the River Road intersection and Billington Place is also closed to allow for works to be undertaken.
Stay up to date with the latest Regatta Park news at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/regatta-park
How can I stay up to date on this project?
You can stay up to date on the Regatta Park project at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/regatta-park