GOVERNMENT RELEASE

Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events

15 December 2015

Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today declared open the station plaza at Thornton in North Penrith, and more than 7 hectares of public open space, including parks, two playgrounds and public artwork. 

Thornton station plaza is the new gateway and arrival point to the northern part of Penrith’s CBD, featuring a high quality urban plaza, public seating areas, a sandstone feature wall, an architectural shade canopy and an in-ground lighting installation that traverses the plaza.

The open space includes a village green (Smith’s Paddock), a water canal and wetland with pedestrian promenade, an Inclusive playground and an all-abilities playground, a highly connected and walkable public domain, two iconic public artworks, and four community parks.

“Thornton has changed the face of new housing in Western Sydney, and now the station plaza and adjoining parks and playgrounds are set to become the new vibrant heart of Thornton,” Stuart Ayres said.

“In the future, the plaza will be surrounded by a new urban village with shops, offices, cafes, a supermarket, childcare, and other services.”

Stuart Ayres said UrbanGrowth NSW had achieved outstanding success with Thornton by transforming 40 hectares of land immediately adjacent to Penrith Station and CBD into a thriving urban village with more than 2,000 dwellings, including compact medium-density housing, apartments, commercial and retail uses and high quality public open spaces.

Stuart Ayres said the Thornton station plaza will significantly improve access and amenity for local residents and the wider community to Penrith’s North and aligns with the State Government’s plan to upgrade facilities at Penrith Station.

“Thornton has established urban living in Penrith and is leading the way in the transformation of Penrith’s City Centre as a community for everybody.”

UrbanGrowth NSW Chief Executive, David Pitchford, said Thornton had highlighted the demand for well located, compact housing choices and demonstrated UrbanGrowth NSW’s ability to deliver major transport oriented, urban renewal outcomes through innovation and collaboration.

“UrbanGrowth NSW is proud to have developed this landmark project for Western Sydney,” Mr Pitchford said.