$10 million upgrade for Penrith's Tench Reserve

New pathways, riverside seating and an amphitheatre for concerts and festivals are part of a $10 million upgrade to a waterfront reserve in Penrith.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the work in Tench Reserve, located on the Nepean River, could now begin as the final concept design had been released.
 
“One of my goals as Minister for Public Spaces is to create a city within a park, and this means we need a Green – and Blue - Grid to link our parks together,” Mr Stokes said
 
“The upgrade to Tench Reserve is the type of project needed to realise this goal. As part of the wonderful Parks for People program, it’s a park for people, by people.”
 
Member for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Tench Reserve  was already well-loved by locals but the $10 million enhancements would attract visitors from all over Sydney.
 
“The upgrade to this 14 hectare park will connect the Nepean River to Nepean Parklands with new pathways, seating, an improved wharf and an amphitheatre to support major events such as the annual Real Festival,” Mr Ayres said. 
 
“Other features of the upgrade include an expansion of the play space for children of all ages and abilities, improved access to the water, more landscaping, and 80 new trees.
 
“Construction is expected to start later this year and be completed at the end of 2022.”
 
Tench Reserve is one of eight open spaces – Glenfield, Carrawood, Belrose, Frenchs Forest, Leppington and George Kendall (Parramatta) - to be created or upgraded as part of the NSW Government’s $50 million Parks for People program.