Panasonic site, Penrith: Plans approved for works on vacant block

A prime piece of real estate in the middle of Penrith has remained untouched while a shopping centre, a football stadium, cricket pitch and units have been built around it over the years. Now exciting plans for the old Panasonic site can finally be released.

Artist's impression of what the old Panasonic site in Penrith could look like in the future. Preliminary works on the site have been given a "deferred commencement" approval by Penrith Council. Picture: Supplied

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The future of a prime piece of land in Penrith’s CBD has potentially been secured after council approved preliminary plans for civil and road infrastructure works.

The old Panasonic site, located in between Jamison Rd, Station St, and Woodriff St, has sat mostly empty since the plant closed back in 2006, but now SHMH Group has plans to revamp the area.

According to documents lodged with the development application, SHMH Group plans to subdivide the block into two development lots, two public open-space lots, one public road lot, and one residual superlot.

The site in Penrith where 270 apartments could be built in the future after initial works were approved by Penrith Council. Picture: Supplied

This would include the construction of two new internal roads, one overland flowpath running between Woodriff and Station Streets, and new in-ground infrastructure including electrical, telecommunications, sewer, gas and water.

These initial works are expected to cost just over $2.1 million.

SHMH Group eventually plans to build 270 apartments, 16 commercial premises, and a 60-place childcare centre on the site, but those plans are yet to be officially lodged with Penrith Council.

Artist's impression of the final goal SHMH Group has for the old Panasonic site between Woodriff St and Station St. Picture: Supplied

Almost 2500 people are expected to live on the site once it is completed.

Penrith Council gave a “deferred commencement” approval to the plans earlier this month, but attached more than 70 conditions that SHMH Group must meet before it is officially approved.

The most pressing conditions are submitting and updated Site Audit Report, amending civil works to retain all the trees along Station St, and obtaining an updated Arborist’s Report.

Other conditions include the installation of a bus shelter on the eastern side of Station St, an application for proposed street names, and several environmental controls such as dust and noise suppression.

Preliminary works on the site must also stop if any archaeological relic is found.

SHMH Group has been given until September 11, 2021 to complete the conditions.