Skiing in Western Sydney, who would have thought, but, yes, the Winter Sports World concept is a step closer to reality after the Planning Proposal for the $300 million project was endorsed by Penrith Councillors.
The Winter Sports World project have a vision to build Australia's first indoor ski resort. Advanced skiing, snow play, elite sports training, and fabulous cafes and restaurants are just some of the attractions that could see this development as the breeding ground for a new generation of snow enthusiasts.
Who needs to travel for over five hours from Sydney when you can you can learn and progress here. Then when you are ready to tackle the big slopes, venture south to the Australian snow resorts.
As reported in the Western Weekender, despite a recommendation to reject the plan for overshadowing, the Penrith council voted in favour to advance the planning and for State Government to decide the next phase of the projects development.
Local developer and site owner Peter Magnisalis told the Western Weekender he would work with 10 residents of neighbouring Nepean Shores to address their concerns.
The project will feature year round perfect snow including a 310m advanced snow slope, a learn to ski run and snow play activities.
The list of opportunities does not stop there, with an Olympic size ice rink, competition venue for figure, ice hockey and speed skating plus ice climbing mountaineer training.
To cap off an impressive list, a 120 room 4.5 star hotel, restaurants and cafes all with views of the snow, conference and function rooms and a 360 degree fine dining restaurant and bar.
The design concepts are certainly impressive, and if the project eventuates it will add huge tourism attractions to the Penrith region. You would think the venture would be good for the snow industry which would welcome new snow enthusiasts.
The project has seen massive exposure since the council approved the planning process, with TV channels picking up the story and countless articles including the prestigious GQ magazine.
Subject to the appropriate approvals construction could start next year with a potential opening in winter 2024. Once operational the Winter Sports World would generate 900 new ongoing tourism jobs, plus inject $80 million a year into the local economy.
On the snow side of the equation, Great Britain Winter Olympian Stephen Edwards will be High Performance Director. Mr Edwards comes with a wealth of experience not only as an Olympian, but as a race coach for decades including National Team Coach for England and head alpine coach at Perisher's Winter Sports Club.
The 2.5 ha site adjacent to the Nepean River in Jamisontown is currently a paddock that would be transformed with a grand building. It is ideally located close to the new Nancy Bird Walton Airport at Badgery's Creek.
“We are excited and relived that we’re just one little step closer to bringing a world class indoor snow resort to Penrith, the first of its kind for Australia, and we’re honoured and very much look forward to collaborating with Council and the State Government to deliver such a world class facility,” Mr Magnisalis told the Western Weekender.
Visit the Winter Sports World Website