Industry News
Australia’s only indoor ski center, Winter Sports World, received approval for its Development Application (‘DA’) from the New South Wales (‘NSW’) government. The DA was lodged by developer Peter Magnisalis more than five years ago for the development of the indoor ski center in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. Government approval for the DA brings the project one step closer to reality.
Once completed, Winter Sports World will be Australia’s only indoor ski center, however, it will not be Australia’s first. Snowdome Adelaide, formerly known as Mt Thebarton or ‘The Ice Arena’, in Adelaide, South Australia, was Australia’s first indoor ski center. Opened in September 1981, the Snowdome Adelaide was dismantled in the 1990s due to the high running costs with only an ice skating rink remaining at the original site.
The cost for the project is estimated at AUD 386 million (USD 255 million) and includes the construction of a 300-meter (984-foot) ski slope, a 170-bed hotel, snow play area, ice climbing, a restaurant, and other related facilities. The construction will feature green technology and incorporate renewable and recycled materials in the development’s design, with electric car charging points, solar panels, photo voltaic cells, and rainwater collected from the roof and onsite tanks to make snow and ice.
Snowmaking at Winter Sports World will be overseen by Jack Nesgos, who previously worked at Snowdome Adelaide. Nesgos brings significant experience to the team, having managed seven indoor snow centers over three continents., including Tamworth Snowdome, Snozone’s Milton Keynes, Castleford & Brehaed, Ski Dubai, and Ski Egypt. The Winter Sports World team is rounded out by former British Winter Olympian Stephen Edwards. Edwards has worked as ski racing coach for several years in Australia, including as Head of Alpine at Perisher Winter Sports Club. He regularly runs highly regarded indoor ski training camps in Dubai’s indoor ski center SkiDubai at the Mall of the Emirates.
“Winter Sports World will create amazing possibilities for everyone to see snow and try snowsports. Accessibility for everyone is a key to growing snowsport in Australia and access at affordability will allow everyone.’’
— Stephen Edwards
The anticipated site is located near the Nepean River and covers more than two hectares (five acres) of land. The NSW government and the local council hope that the development will be a unique tourism drawcard and give a boost to the local economy. “The proposed development could attract more than one million visitors annually, create around 2,700 construction and ongoing jobs, and inject more than $220 million each year into the Western Sydney economy,” Anthea Sargeant, Executive Director of Key Sites and Regional Assessments, said. “The site could provide Australian winter athletes year-round training for Olympic sports at home.”
Receiving DA approval is a key step in the project, which can now finally move ahead making more concrete plans and fundraising for the indoor ski center. Magnisalis hopes that the project can be completed by 2025.
