Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today joined Minister for Local Government, Shelly Hancock MP to showcase the NSW Governments massive investment in the Nepean River precinct.
The opening of the Yandhai Nepean Crossing delivered in late 2018 has been a catalyst in encouraging investment into the river precinct by the private sector.
Key examples of this investment include The East Bank restaurants and the repurposing of Emu Hall. Additionally, the newly approved Orchard will be under construction this year and will offer a unique five-acre hospitality venue featuring new cafes, restaurants, bars and an inclusive playground and animal yards.
This year will also see the return of the Log Cabin with early works now underway.The new Log Cabin design comprises of a two-storey hotel offering indoor and outdoor bars and dining options overlooking the Nepean River.
Stuart Ayres said these developments show the confidence the private sector has in Penrith on the back of the NSW Government’s investments.
The NSW Government recently announced $1.5M towards the restoration of the old Police Cottage. A police station and residence was originally erected in 1908 and functioned until 1921. The residence continued to be used for officers until the 1950s before being rented out as a private residence until 2015. The heritage-listed cottage will be given a new lease of life for visitors to enjoy.
To further enhance the river walk and the river precinct, Regatta Park is set to become a new focal point with a $24M transformation through the Western Sydney City Deal. Following community consultation, the final designs were released in late 2020 and features over-water viewing platforms, two new playgrounds, an accessible path to the river foreshore, outdoor dining areas and kiosk.
Tench Reserve will be revitalised with through a $10M grant from the NSW Governments Parks for People Program.
Shelly Hancock MP said, “The Nepean River precinct is a great example of strong collaboration between the State and Local Government working to deliver great public amenity.”
“This is an area loved by locals and visitors and delivering these amazing enhancements is a win for the Penrith community.”
Stuart Ayres said, “The Berejiklian Government has led the way in bringing the Nepean River precinct to life. There is now over $100M invested in the Nepean River precinct and that is a truly outstanding outcome for Penrith.”
Additional enhancements funded by support from the NSW Government that have been made to the river precinct include:
- The new Tench Reserve Boat Ramp with, new 3 lane boat ramp, 10 new vehicle parking bays, 34 new boat trailer parking bays, new jetties along the foreshore, landscaping, lighting,
- River walk footpath upgrades,
- New fishing platform,
- New children’s playground.
