Below is a 1973 newspaper advertisement for a land release offered by Neeta Land Sales. Only $100 was required as a deposit, with blocks starting at $10,400. This is equivalent to spending around $123,500 in today's money (RBA Inflation Calculator).
In 1987, the NSW Government signed an agreement with the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (a joint venture between Boral, CSR and Pioneer) to convert quarries near Penrith into recreational land.
This also included the creation of seven man-made lakes (would eventually be 12). Early plans for the land included a mix of theme parks, sports centres, heritage sites, horse-riding trails, and water-sport precincts, including a rowing course.
Source: Nicholson, L. 1987. "$183mil lake plan to rival harbour". The Daily Telegraph, August 12: 7.
The rowing course would evolve into the Sydney International Regatta Centre, built as part of the 2000 Olympic Games and hosting Rowing, Kayaking, and Canoeing. In addition, the Sydney Whitewater Stadium hosted the Canoe and Kayak Slalom events. In addition, the Sydney International Regatta Centre can host other sporting events such as triathlons.
Quarrying ended in 2015, and the area continues to evolve. Penrith (Pondi) Beach was opened to the public for use during the summer months in 2023 and has rapidly gained popularity among locals and Sydneysiders alike.
Most of the space will remain as open space for public access. Plans include building the Sydney Aerospace Park and Nepean Business Park, a golf course, and a waterfront precinct known as Southbank.
Click here to find out more about the development of Penrith Lakes.
Below is a 1969 newspaper advertisement for a house and land package on offer at Penrith. The area is currently in South Penrith and would encompass the neighbourhood that is home to the Jamison Hotel and close to Jamison Park.
The package included a 3-bedroom brick veneer home on a block of land. According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this was equivalent to spending $155,000 in today's money, which is very good value for money.
Below is a newspaper advertisement from 1966 to promote the Kingswood Heights Estate at Cambridge Park. Housing lots were on offer for as low as £650 ($1300). According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, this was equivalent to $19 187 today.
Source: Mala Homes. 1969. "Mala Mala" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, July 26: 48.I have posted two advertisements for land sales at Glenmore Park dating from 1992. This one is from 1990, when the first 110 lots in the suburb went on sale from $66 000.
