NSW Government slams claims made by developer SHMH4Pty Ltd in Penrith Stadium upgrade stoush

The state government has rejected claims it “blindsided” a developer with $309m plans to refurbish the home of the Penrith Panthers. Here’s how the stadium would look.

How the refurbished Penrith Stadium would look. Picture: Infrastructure NSW

The state government has rubbished claims it “blindsided” and failed to consult a developer over $309m plans to upgrade Penrith Stadium.

Earlier this year, the NSW Government revealed plans for new and refurbished corporate and members’ areas, player facilities, food and drink outlets, extra parking spaces and increased seating.

The announcement of the proposed refurbishment followed a lengthy campaign by the Penrith Panthers and broader community.

But developer SHMH4Pty Ltd, owns a 78,000 sqm block that has been earmarked for a 2000-unit development across from the stadium, claimed to have been caught by surprise.

It claimed it had not been left in the dark about the proposed stadium refurbishment and that residents of the planned unit block would be too, with a refurbished stadium likely to physically overshadow the planned homes.

A digital render of the planned Penrith Stadium redevelopment. Picture: Infrastructure NSW

SHMH also complained that traffic and construction noise would negatively affect residents in their units.

The government has now hit back, saying in a lengthy report all landowners around the area were “afforded numerous opportunities for engagement” during community consultation periods, as well as the project’s public exhibition period, which is when the developer initially lashed out.

“Infrastructure NSW has since met with representatives of the landowner to discuss the project further,” the report said.

“On this basis, it is clear that the impacts of the Penrith Stadium refurbishment are acceptable in the circumstances,” the report stated.

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

In response to to the overshadowing claims, the government stated upgraded grandstands had been designed to create a “high-quality spectator and operational experience that meets the standards expected of a modern stadium”.

“Reducing overshadowing would require either a compromise of the core operational objectives for the stadium, or the relocation of the playing field which would reduce public open space within the precinct and incur significant additional project costs,” the report stated.

The report went on to state any residential buildings on the neighbouring development site facing the stadium would get more than enough direct sunlight, in line with the state government planning guide, and that there was no justification for further design changes.

In response to claims construction and traffic noise would negatively affect residents in the proposed apartments, the government stated in its report the refurbishment would be complete before the units across the road would have people living in them.

The proposed upgrades to the stadium remain at the assessment stage of the planning process.