- August 28, 2025
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Featured Articles, Features, Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
Construction is officially underway on the $309m transformation of Penrith Stadium in Australia, a project set to redefine Western Sydney’s live event and sporting landscape. Designed by global architecture firm Populous, commissioned by the NSW Government and being constructed by John Holland, the redevelopment will create a 25,000-capacity venue that blends high-performance sport with community and cultural use.
While proudly remaining the home of the four-time National Rugby League (NRL) premiership-winning Penrith Panthers, the new stadium is designed to serve far more than just rugby league. It’s a community-first vision that will host concerts, festivals and public gatherings filling a long-standing gap in the region’s cultural infrastructure.
Josh Robson, Senior Principal at Populous, said:
“This isn’t just a stadium; it’s a new piece of public infrastructure designed to welcome everyone. It will support the next generation of athletes – men and women – but just as importantly, open up opportunities for live events that bring people together across Western Sydney.”
Fresh glimpse of what the new stadium will look like
Demolition of the former venue is now complete, coinciding with the release of new renders showing what the new stadium will look like.
Panthers Group Chair, Peter Graham, said:
“The new world-class stadium will be a game-changer for Penrith which will be enjoyed by Panthers fans for generations to come. With demolition works now complete, it won’t be long until our first game back home.”
Populous’ design draws on the unique character of Penrith and the values of its people. It includes new eastern and western grandstands with premium and community seating, gender-inclusive player and officials’ facilities, integrated accessibility upgrades – tripling wheelchair viewing positions – and improved sightlines, shade and acoustics. The relaxed, family-friendly feel will be preserved through the retention of the beloved northern and southern hills.
The 2025 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition is being held at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, October 6-7th. An Opening Night Icebreaker will kick things off at bp pulse LIVE on October 5th, and close at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on the evening of October 7th. Populous is a returning sponsor.
Central to the design is a “Designing with Country” approach, developed through deep engagement with the Dharug people, Traditional Custodians of the land. Local elders and cultural consultants Ngurra Advisory and FCAD informed the masterplan, embedding cultural knowledge into the design concept, materiality and landscaping that connect the venue to the Nepean River, Blue Mountains, and Dharug heritage.
Mr Robson said:
“As a practice, we believe architecture has a responsibility to celebrate culture. Our engagement with Dharug elders has enriched the design process and helped to shape the very foundations of the design.”
Penrith Stadium is set to become a defining landmark for the region – more than a venue, it’s a stage for the everyday stories and extraordinary moments that will shape Western Sydney’s future.
Big win for locals as Penrith Stadium grandstands make way for the future
The transformation of Penrith Stadium by the Minns Labor Government is powering ahead, with both grandstands now demolished, paving the way for major construction to begin.
Infrastructure NSW with delivery partner John Holland will start work on the new grandstands, including bulk earthworks and foundation piling.
A growing list of Western Sydney-based subcontractors have already been engaged, including First Nations-owned Doolan Plumbing, Stowe Australia, Performance Access Resources, Borgers, New Edge Group, Cherrie Civil, Western Precast and Wagstaff Piling, with more to come.
These partnerships are helping local small and medium enterprises grow their profiles and gain valuable experience on a complex, state-significant project that will be celebrated by locals and visitors for decades to come.
The project will reflect the stadium’s unique identity and strong ties to the community, while delivering modern upgrades in seating, sightlines, technology and security.
Once complete, the stadium will be home to the Penrith Panthers, and will host concerts and other major sporting events, providing a significant boost to local hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.
Images courtesy of Populous
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