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Australia’s first indoor ski resort has been green lit by the state planning department, with Sydney set to welcome a year-round snow field.
Winter Sports World (WSW) on Thursday announced the Penrith site had been officially approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
The project, which has been dubbed “The Giant Esky” will be constructed on more than two hectares of land, and will include a 300m ski run, a 4.5 star 170-room hotel, restaurants, thermal pools, ice climbing facilities, and a snow play area.
The facility is also hoped to attract elite snow athletes from across the world, with Olympic-grade training facilities for alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
The project is expected to inject more than $220 a year into the Western Sydney economy and create about 2700 construction and ongoing jobs.
The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) was initially launched in June 2018 by developer Peter Magnisalis, who said receiving the official approval was “a huge relief”.
“For the first time in eight years, WSW is no longer a pie-in-the-sky dream but a real project and on course to bring the snowfields to Sydney,” he said.
“It has been all-consuming for me personally for years now and will continue to be so. I can’t wait to get it built.’’
Appearing on Today, Mr Magnisalis said the cost of admission would be “quite affordable”.
“We haven’t worked all that out yet, but our vision is for it to be affordable for everyone and for all walks of life.”
However, before construction begins, the site will require further detailed design and engineering development, plus an international search for suppliers and contractors.
This includes construction company, snowmaking and lift specialists, restaurant and hotel operators, plus artists and designers.
“So we need to take the time in this crucial preparation stage to ensure we get the project right before it can start to rise above the ground,’’ Mr Magnisalis said.
“This project will definitely be a global enterprise,’’ he added.
“Our goal is for WSW to have the best quality snow in the world for an indoor snow resort.’’
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