Mayoral Column – Transformation of St Marys gets underway

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Penrith City Council and our community’s shared vision for St Marys is coming to life. The ground has officially been broken on the highly anticipated central park project, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of St Marys.

It was fantastic to be on site last week and turn the first sod, as early works get underway before major construction starts. Council has recognised and strategically planned for St Marys’ place in Sydney’s growth story, and the central park project is a crucial part of the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan.

St Marys is at the heart of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The new airport, which opens for freight operations this weekend, and the Metro rail line under construction, are catalytic for our region. As more people choose to invest, do business and call this City home, Council is building on the strengths of St Marys to make it even more vibrant, welcoming and connected.

The St Marys population is set to reach 25,500 by 2041 and around 9,300 new dwellings and more than 8,300 new jobs will be created over the next 20 years through the Master Plan.

The needs of current and future generations are top of mind for Council, and the multi-million-dollar central park will serve as a civic heart. It will bring people together in a beautiful green space where they can relax and enjoy community events, only steps from transport, shops and other facilities.

Importantly, we’re delivering this park now, in line with our commitment to amenity-led transformation that provides immediate benefits to our existing community, and unlocks further investment and opportunities for the future.

Projects like this are so important as they support changing and thriving communities. Thanks again to all of you who have contributed to the vision for St Marys and helped shape the central park design.

We are also grateful to the NSW Government for sharing our vision and partnering with Council to deliver this vital infrastructure. We anticipate that the park will be open by mid-2028.

Visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmaryscentralpark for more information.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 22 July 2026.