Scentre Plots Entertainment Expansion for Penrith Westfield

Scentre Group, the owner of the Westfield shopping centre chain, has lodged plans for an $18-million expansion to its Penrith complex, aiming to make it a “leading entertainment and leisure precinct”. 

The redevelopment, at 565-595 High Street, partners Scentre with the GPT Group, as well as planners Urbis. 

The application, lodged with Penrith City Council this month, aims to “revitalise and activate” the existing shopping centre and establish a night-time economy in Penrith, 55km west of Sydney.

The redevelopment would deliver a new three-level dining precinct in addition to expanding the cinematic offering of tenants Hoyts.

The application seeks approval for refurbishment works to the cinema, adding two new Lux Cinema auditoriums and a lounge. 

The proposal also covers a reconfiguration of its Riley Street Entrance and dining precinct, making room for three new restaurants. 

The revamp aims to “establish the identity of the new dining precinct and expanded cinema offering”, adding a further five retail tenancies to the section.

▲ Westfield Penrith was built in 1971 and covers an area of 90,325 square metres.

Boosting the night-time economy was a priority of the Penrith Local Strategic Planning Statement, which says that a greater focus should be placed on diversifying offerings to expand visiting hours into the night.

Penrith Westfield Shopping Centre is one of the largest regional shopping centres in Western Sydney, catering to a population of around 477,000 and has undergone a number of refurbishment in recent years.

The corner of Riley and Jane Street was recently redeveloped to provide a new recreation and amusement centre. 

As well, developer Peter Magnisalis late last year lodged plans for a $400-million snow sport resort in a former horse paddock in the Penrith Riverlink Tourism Precinct.