Developer fights government over Penrith Stadium revamp in stoush over grandstand seating, noise

A developer that wants to turn a vacant block next to Penrith Stadium into 2000 units is fighting a multimillion upgrade of the sporting hub over claims the height of high-rise spectator seating would block sunlight and slash property prices.

A concept image of the $309 million Penrith Stadium upgrade.

A developer that wants to turn a vacant block next to Penrith Stadium into 2000 units is fighting the NSW Government over a planned multimillion refurbishment of the sporting stadium over claims the height of high-rise spectator seating would block sunlight and slash thousands of dollars off property prices.

The owners of a sprawling 78,000sq m block of land across the road from Penrith Stadium have accused the NSW Government of blindsiding them after releasing plans to revamp the ageing stadium with new and improved 30m tall spectator stands and expanded entertainment offerings.

Developer SHMH4 Pty Ltd – which owns 164 Station Street directly to the east of the stadium – claims the redevelopment would have “major environmental” implications for its own development plans to build 2000 apartments.

In the letter to the government, the company has argued the expanded stadium seating and grandstand would measure the equivalent of a 9-10 storey residential flat building and create overshadowing on its development site which would severely “impact the public domain”.

“This is considered to be an adverse impact on the solar access to a substantial number of residential apartments and is totally unacceptable and could lead to a significant devaluation of the properties which will be deprived of the western sun,” the letter states.

A concept image of the proposed upgrade.

The proposed stadium redevelopment was announced earlier this year following years of campaigning by Penrith Panthers and the broader community.

Plans for the upgrade are designed to cater for existing matches as well as benefiting female matches to support the growth of women's sports.

The $309 million upgrade also includes new and refurbished corporate and members areas, player facilities, food and drink outlets, and extra carparking spaces.

The development site sits to the east of the stadium.

It would also create a “multi-use venue” that for concerts and other entertainment offerings.

Developer SHMH4 Pty Ltd – which is headed up by Chinese based company directors – has lashed the NSW government over lack of consultation on the development.

It has also objected to potential traffic impacts and noise levels from concerts and other entertainment at the stadium.

A concept image of the housing development planned next to the stadium.

“(There is) genuine concern that the future occupants of their residential apartments could be adversely impacted upon by way of excessive noise generated by events,” the company stated.

“It is evident that the site was not even considered when determining future noise impacts on the residential development.”

In a statement, Infrastructure NSW said the NSW Government remained committed to the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium.

“Infrastructure NSW has continued to engage with the community and stakeholders since the NSW Government announced its commitment to redevelop Penrith Stadium in December 2021,” a spokesman said.

“Infrastructure NSW will meet with the owner of the land at 164 Station Street and any feedback will be considered and responded to in the response to submissions report, which will be made publicly available.”

Developer SHMH4 Pty Ltd has already been granted planning approval to build the 2000-unit development which would comprise of buildings ranging from eight to 14 storeys tall.

The development site was previously home to Panasonic before the company closed its doors in 2006.