New conference centre under construction at Panthers
Construction has begun on a new conference centre in Penrith that will be a “game changer” for community groups across western Sydney.
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Construction starts today on a new conference centre in Penrith that will be a “game changer” for community groups across western Sydney.
After three years of planning, Richard Crookes Construction will build the $88 million Western Sydney Community and Conference Centre near the Panthers Leagues Club after winning a competitive tender process last month.
Penrith Panthers chief executive, Brian Fletcher, said the new centre will feature a 1250 sqm of floor space that will be able to host major events, trade shows, exhibitions, and seated functions for up to 1000 people.
This will also be serviced by a 153-room 4.5-star hotel, and sit below a 1200 sqm community centre.
“The thriving business community of western Sydney has long been in need of a modern, multipurpose conference centre, and Panthers is proud to be delivering exactly that,” he said.
“The development is part of the record $1 billion 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.
“We take pride in our position in the community to be able to provide these essential services for the growing local business community.”
The centre was made possible due to combined federal and state government grants of $24 million.
Penrith state Liberal MP, Stuart Ayres, said the development was part of Panthers’ ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities for the people of Penrith.
“Panthers is 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,” he said.
“The conference centre will enhance Penrith’s reputation as a world-class event and tourism destination.”
Lindsay federal Liberal MP, Melissa McIntosh, welcomed the start of 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,” she said.
300 jobs will be created during construction, with a further 100 ongoing roles upon completion in late 2021.