After three years of planning, construction has started on the $88 million state of the art, Western Sydney Community and Conference Centre, that will service and support the continued growth of Western Sydney.
Penrith Panthers, CEO, Brian Fletcher said, “The thriving business community of Western Sydney has long been in need of a modern, multi-purpose conference centre and Panthers is proud to be delivering exactly that.”
The conference centre will feature 1,250sqm of flexible floor space that will be able to host major events, trade shows, exhibitions and seated functions for up to 1000 people. This will be serviced by a 153 room 4.5 Star Hotel, and sit below a 1200 square metre community centre.
The WSCCC has been made possible thanks to combined Federal and State Government grants of $24m. Member for Penrith the Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said the development was part of Panthers ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities for the people of Penrith and the greater community.
“Panthers are a cornerstone of the Western Sydney community and this new development will be a game changer for western Sydney community groups and for the people of Penrith.
“The many outstanding community programs and initiatives in the Penrith region will benefit from the community centre. While the conference centre will enhance Penrith’s reputation as a world-class event and tourism destination.
The Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, welcomed the start of main construction and the significant boost it gives the local economy.
“This new centre will make Penrith the place to bring trade shows, conferences and conventions in Western Sydney, bringing with them plenty of jobs too.”
300 jobs will be created during construction with a further 100 ongoing roles upon completion of the project, which reaffirms Panthers as an employer of choice in the local community,” said Mrs McIntosh.
Richard Crookes Construction won a competitive tender process in November 2019 to build the iconic development. An estimated completion date of late 2021 has been set, with Panthers accepting bookings in early 2020.
“The development is part of the record $1billion investment the Panthers Group is making on behalf of the local Penrith community, which also includes residential retirement facilities, The Royce and mixed- use development, East Side Quarter.
“The Panthers Group main business focus is making returns by providing a diversified range of opportunities to its members and the Western Sydney Community and Conference Centre plays that roll. We take pride in our position in the community to be able to provide these essential services for the growing local business community.
Over the last five years, Panthers has supported the community to the tune of $13m in donations. This development continues that charter by supporting employment and developing opportunities for young people in Western Sydney,” Mr Fletcher said.
Source: Penrith Rugby League Club Ltd