Sydney will soon be home to an indoor ski field in its western suburb of Sydney. Named the “Winter Sports World” development & now being dubbed “The Giant Esky” will be located on the former ice rink site in Penrith.
The development is expected the cost $386 million dollars at the time of the development application submission and it is being estimated to be complete sometime in 2025, however, this timeframe is dependent on several conditions such as suppliers and final design changes.
The project’s location can be found on 2 Tench Avenue, Jamisontown within NSW with a postcode of 2750 in Western Sydney, close to the M4 which is part of the recently upgraded Westconnex project, making it’s access easy to both Western Sydney and a significant portion of the greater Sydney area.
The architects of the development are Environa for the project and Collins & Turner for the facade. It’s a dynamic design and it’s sure to make it’s presence known in Western Sydney.
The Big Esky will be the first venue of its kind in Australia & potentially the southern hemisphere. The skiing facility will feature a huge 300m long ski run. There will also be the following features in the development:
- 4.5/5 star 170-room hotel
- Ice climbing facilities
- Crevasse outdoor rock climbing
- Snow play area
- Thermal pools
- Restaurants
- Cafes
It is also estimated that the development will create about 2700 construction and ongoing jobs upon completion, all whilst injecting an estimated $220m+ a year into the Western Sydney economy.
In June 2018, the State Significant Development Application was submitted, where it only now had gained approval.
It was a lengthy wait for this to be approved, but it finally has and the Sydney community has a potential new venue to look forward to. The director noted a total of 8 years for the development to become a reality.
The Project will also be home to a competition venue which will be used for winter & snow sports with such events as skiing & snowboarding. It will cater for people in Sydney who want an alternative to the 5 hours drive it takes to visit the current ski fields.
Recent years have not experienced too much snow, so having a climate controlled venue that will be air conditioned to suit snow making conditions, providing a year round alternative for both recreation and competition purposes.
This development follows a string of other proposals in the area from Penrith apartments, residential and commercials developments for new housing by Mirvac & Vitocco, as well as the recently developed Thornton Development right next to Penrith Railways Station which is next to the Penrith CBD & Westfield Penrith for shopping.
When combined with the recently opened Penrith Beach, it is quickly becoming a recreational powerhouse in the greater Sydney region. The Winter Sports World project has the potential the change the face of both Penrith & Western Sydney.
