Penrith Stadium Redevelopment Approved

The $309m redevelopment of Penrith Stadium has been approved by planning authorities, clearing the path for a contract to be awarded and work to commence.

With the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure granting planning consent, a contract is expected to be awarded soon for a builder to start work early next year, with completion set for 2026.

Penrith Stadium is set to become a superior entertainment venue, improving the experience for fans and spectators, whilst delivering a more cohesive recreation precinct for the local Western Sydney community.

As part of the upgrade, the ground capacity is set to be increased to around 25,000 for rectangular sport, while concerts could facilitate up to 30,000 spectators.

The stadium will include upgraded player amenities, including new female friendly facilities to support the growth of women’s sport. As part of the improved experience there will be a 300% increase in wheelchair accessible seating, an 85% increase in accessible toilets, and a significant increase in the number of women’s toilets.

Additionally, the training field to the west of the stadium will be remodelled to create new quality open spaces with multipurpose courts and improved landscaping to increase shade for outdoor entertainment and community use.

More than 500 jobs will be created during construction, with a further 650 jobs to be supported once operational, providing a boost to the Penrith economy.

The stadium will deliver employment opportunities across the food and beverage, and hospitality sectors and bring over $270 million in construction investment with local businesses.

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said, “I am pleased that our community will soon see work begin on the new and improved Penrith Stadium.

“Upgrading Penrith Stadium will also create hundreds of local jobs in our community, creating opportunities close to home.

“The stadium is already well-loved by Western Sydney locals and our Panthers community, and these upgrades will set Penrith up for the future.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This is a much-needed upgrade to a stadium surrounded by a thriving and passionate community, and it will be amazing to see the seats filled as fans come roaring in to enjoy the gameday experience.

“The local community and fans have been integral in shaping the new stadium, and we are delivering what they want, including retaining the hills at either end of the stadium, and modernising amenities and seating.

“The stadium will be purpose-built to host women’s and men’s NRL games, and will also cater for rugby union, soccer, live music and other entertainment events.”

The Penrith Panthers will play the majority of their NRL home games at CommBank Stadium in 2025 while Penrith Stadium is redeveloped.