An initiative will be the creation of a “gateway” from the CBD to the river – Penrith station is some 700 metres and a brisk walk away with no visible connection to the river.
This section is the continuation of the east-west economic corridor which stretches seven kilometres from St Marys to the CBD and includes the University of Western Sydney and Penrith public and private hospitals.
The Nepean was the reason for the town’s foundation in 1789 but for a period Penrith turned its back on the river.
The city slowly realised the “extraordinary and sometime neglected asset on its doorstep, “according to Clouston Associates which prepared the comprehensive “Our River” Nepean River Masterplan.
“The river is a significant and important asset in the region but many people are unaware of its presence and values,” the document said.
The masterplan endeavours to change this by recognising the “critical role” which the river can and should play in the life of the CBD and its urban centres. The time is right for its implementation, the document said.
“A resurgent local economy [including] numerous public and private sector development projects are presently in train in the Penrith area suggesting a promising decade ahead for the economy of the city and the district,” the document said.
The growth of residential communities along the river and Penrith’s role as a regional city to serve the population of the North West Growth Centre has implications for the demand of river-based recreation.
The Our River masterplan covers approximately two kilometres from Victoria Bridge, in the north, to the M4 Bridge to the south and includes four major parklands, rowing, kayaking and water skiing facilities and commercial enterprises.
The plan provides the framework for further design development, continuing stakeholder engagement and the establishment of a funding program for the progressive implementation of the concept of up to a period of 20 years.
