Penrith’s ‘Giant Esky’ Snow Resort Gains Approval

Penrith could soon be Australia’s new home of winter sport after an artificial ski slope and 170-key hotel were approved.

Developer Peter Magnisalis won the nod for his “pie-in-the-sky” Winter Sports World dream, which has a capital investment value of $386 million.

The plans designed by Collins and Turner show a 300m advanced open run for skiers and snowboarders, learn-to-ski runs and a snow play area.

There is also a competition venue, ice climbing and crevasse outdoor rock climbing along with a restaurant and cafes with snow views.

The northern facade to Jamison Road would glow at night using kinetic lighting giving the appearance of a blizzard, while the public area and curved lower-level facade would look like melting ice.

The 2.35ha site hat 2 Tench Avenue, Jamisontown, currently a horse paddock, could generate $220 million a year once developed.

Magnisalis said the approval was a huge relief and had taken a little over 12 months from lodgement.

“For the first time in eight years, Winter Sports World is no longer a pie-in-the-sky dream but a real project and on-course to bring snowfields to Sydney,” Magnisalis said.

“It has been all-consuming for me for years now and will continue to be so. I can’t wait to get it built.’’

The project still has many Olympic-sized hurdle to clear before construction begins.

It will now enter a phase of detailed design and engineering development to prepare for construction.

The Sydney-based developer will also have to enter negotiations with suppliers and contractors around the globe from construction companies, snowmaking and lift specialists, restaurant and hotel operators, and artists and designers.

▲ The proposal to build Australia’s first indoor snow resort at Penrith has been approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

The first stage of construction involves preparing the basement walls and excavation for infrastructure works such as the massive underground water tank for snow making, mechanical plant rooms, loading docks and carpark.

It has already gained the nickname “the giant Esky’’ from the iconic Australian brand of coolers.

Inside the complex, landscaping would include water streams, pathway networks, plantings and large message sticks to mimic melting ice and mountains telling the stories of the First Nations people and how they lived on Dyarubbin.

The attraction is expected to attract international elite snow athletes and provide a training venue for Olympic sports such as alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.