Plan to restore pride in Penshurst

A new public domain plan has the potential to restore a sense of identity and pride in Penshurst, a resident told Georges River Council last week.

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The Draft Penshurst Town Centre Public Domain Plan puts forward a number of improvements to revitalise the suburb.

These include transforming the open space Council carpark on Connelly Street into a strategic economic anchor development. This is to be reinforced by the proposal to demolish a council owned shopfront building at 36 Penshurst Street to allow for an open space plaza and a pedestrian corridor creating strong connectivity between Penshurst Street and Connelly Street.

The railway land bordering the town centre would be transformed into a community commons multi-purpose activated area at the corner of Bridge Street and Penshurst Street. This could include areas for more public seating, two food trucks and occasional markets and community-run events.

New cycling routes could be built in the town centre as part of a cycling network connecting schools to open spaces, sports grounds and transport hubs.

The tree canopy in the town centre could be increased from its current 10 per cent to 30 per cent.

In 2024, the council resolved to prepare a Public Domain Plan for streetscape and public safety enhancements for the Penshurst Town Centre.

The project originated from an initiative proposed by Project Penshurst 2222, the local community group advocating to enhance the town centre.

The council's Draft Penshurst Town Centre Public Domain Plan will now go out on exhibition for community comment.

- Improvements to pedestrian infrastructure,

- Recognition and celebration of the suburb's heritage,

- New infrastructure to enhance public safety, including crossings, lighting, and fencing,

- Increased greenery and streetscape enhancements,

- Improvements to the aesthetics of public buildings and public spaces,

- Upgrades to street furniture and public amenities.

Mortdale Ward councillor Christina Jamieson said there was more to come, including future works associated with the railway land, which the council staff continue to progress.

"Having seen some of the preliminary concepts, I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead. It is an ambitious and forward-thinking vision, and I commend the staff for their innovation and foresight," Cr Jamieson said.

"I look forward to seeing the community's feedback and continuing the journey of shaping a vibrant and safe Penshurst Town Centre," she said.

Penshurst resident Kerrie Rendina told the council's public forum this week the plans are incredibly positive.

"What should be a vibrant local centre feels neglected, rundown, under-utilised and unattractive with a loss of important services like IGA," she said.

"This decline is particularly concerning when compared to the investment and revitalisation seen in Mortdale. Despite Penshurst having a larger population and significant potential, it has not received the same level of attention or improvement.

"By improving lighting, accessibility, and public seating, greenery and by creating more welcoming and functional spaces, this project has the potential to restore a sense of identity and pride in Penshurst," she said.

Val Colyer, who was part of the Penshurst Public Domain Plan Focus Group, said, "For the first time in a long time, it felt like there was a vision for Penshurst that matched what this community deserves.

"This is what the community is asking for, and it's what the community deserves.

"I do not want residents leaving to other suburbs - leaving behind an area that is ready and waiting for revitalisation," she said.