New retail and eateries planned under $10 million development
Westfield Penrith will refurbish a major part of the centre as part of a $10 million development application. See the images here.
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Westfield Penrith could have a brand-new outdoor-dining area as part of a $10.7 million development application lodged with Penrith Council earlier this month.
Lodged on October 25, the proposed development would compliment the quality of public spaces and pedestrian amenity within the public courtyard and adjacent Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.
According to the proposal, lodged by Westfield’s owners, the Scentre Group, the new “atrium” would serve to create a new front door to the centre, and the design would seek to maximise solar access into the courtyard areas.
The proposal is considered a refurbishment to the existing centre, and will offer about 1450 sq m of retail over two levels.
Changes would include reconfiguring a portion of the external courtyard area into internal common mall with new public amenities.
Developers would also change the existing shopfront arrangement in the courtyard to create an alfresco dining and covered-seating area.
Westfield would reconfigure the existing multi-deck car park to complete a new loop connection back to the existing retail centre.
The colonnade awnings would be replaced with new steel and cantilevered glass awnings to maintain covered pedestrian arrival from existing car parks.
Mall entry on level two would move to accommodate two new retail tenants.
Plans show that nine trees would be removed to accommodate the works, but Westfield plans to plan several new trees and plants as part of the refurbishment.
In the report, it says the new proposal would “be aligned to the council’s vision to improve night-time economy within the city centre”.
Scentre Group had a similar development application knocked back by the council earlier this year.
“We have continued to work closely with Penrith Council to achieve an aligned vision for the precinct and are pleased to confirm our revised development application has been lodged and is now on public exhibition,” a spokesperson said.
“These plans will allow us to transform Westfield Penrith into a vibrant living centre and provide an exciting new dining and leisure precinct for our local customers.
“We have listened to our customers and we know this offer is especially important to younger families who are looking for relaxed, vibrant and engaging places as part of their lifestyle. For example, our plans include a dedicated internal children’s play area.
“We will provide further details as the project moves through the planning process.”