Written by
29/01/2024
Winter Sports World – or as it has been dubbed ‘The Giant Esky’ – after years in planning has been greenlit by the State’s planning department.
The State significant determination permits a mixed-use development, including an indoor ski centre, snow play area, ice climbing and a 4.5-star 170 x room hotel for visitors with ancillary cafes and restaurants at 2 Tench Avenue in Jamisontown.
As Australia’s first indoor snow resort, this facility will offer a unique tourist attraction and destinations 365 days per year and a world-class snow field that caters for first time visitors through to advanced skiers and professional athletes. Over 1 million local, domestic and international visitors are projected to attend the resort annually.
The primary obstacle to developing a snow resort on the site was the existing 8.5 metre height limit under Penrith’s LEP. There was also no appropriately zoned land in Penrith that had a height limit capable of accommodating the indoor ski centre.
Subject site and its context
Accordingly, the developer lodged a rezoning proposal to increase the height from 8.5 metres to 54 metres. In 2018, Council endorsed the proposal subject to a FSR control of 1.2:1 and up to 1.45:1 if the project includes a hotel and a 3-x year sunset clause.
Considerable attention has been given to ensuring the design of the building complements important views to and from the Nepean River, as well as to the Blue Mountains escarpment.
By way of precinct planning background, the Riverlink Precinct Plan adopted in 2008 set a clear vision for the area bounded by the Nepean River, Mulgoa Road and M4. The precinct was identified as a living, entertainment and working hub, which is reflected in the site’s SP3 Tourist zoning.
Penrith is actively promoted as the ‘Adventure Capital of NSW’ and has attracted other attractions such as the Cables Wake Park, iFLY indoor sky diving centre, Jetpack adventures, Luddenham Raceway and Penrith Whitewater Stadium. As a result, Winter Sports World will complement Penrith Council’s vision for tourism in the area.
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