Penrith 'logical choice' for new Western Sydney Stadium

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM has declared Penrith a logical choice for the construction of an outer Western Sydney sporting venue under the State Government’s recently announced Stadia Strategy Implementation report.

The report gave six recommendations of which the construction of a dedicated rectangular stadium in Western Sydney was a priority in the next 10 years to meet future sporting and event requirements.

Councillor Fowler said Penrith's location as a regional city centred between Sydney's north-west and south-west made it an obvious choice.

"Penrith has a catchment of half a million people which is expected to grow in excess of a million people in the coming decade," Cr Fowler said.

"Our city is known as a sporting and event destination welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors annually. More than 20% of these are attending special events, annual, monthly and weekly events. 

"My vision for a new Penrith Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that caters for many sports, concerts and other events.

"A new stadium in Penrith will not only give us a first class sporting and event venue, it brings with it development opportunities that will grow local employment and the Penrith CBD economy.

Panthers Group CEO Warren Wilson AM said Penrith's location, population and projected growth make it the clear choice for a new stadium.

"Penrith is the heart of Western Sydney, an exciting destination for both Australian and international visitors, and the most logical location for a new stadium in the region," he said.

"I am confident the State Government will make the right decision and build the world-class venue the people of Penrith deserve."

"We will continue to work with the State Government, Panthers, the NRL and others to put our case forward for the new stadium to be built in Penrith," Cr Fowler said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 17 September 2015.