Penrith City Council has made it easier for residents to get to the Nepean River with the completion of a new shared path along Factory Road, Regentville.

The 3-metre-wide path starts from Mulgoa Road and runs the length of Factory Road before connecting to Tench Reserve. The project also includes:

• connecting pathways and two new crossings with lighting along Loftus Street and Spencer Street

• two new crossings with lighting along Factory Road

• kerb, guttering, drainage and road pavement improvements

• tree planting and landscaping

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the path completes the missing link between Glenmore Park and the Nepean River.

“I’m happy that we’ve been able to give people a much safer way to walk, run and cycle along Factory Road,” Cr Carney said.

“Making sure people can easily travel around the local government area is a focus for Council as part of our community strategic plan.

“I’ve already seen quite a lot of people using the path and hope that it encourages residents to leave their cars at home and enjoy a stroll or bike ride to the river instead.”

The project was funded by a $4.46 million grant through the NSW Government’s 2024-2025 Get NSW Active Program, in partnership with Council.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM MP said the NSW Government is thrilled this new shared path will benefit the community.

“It is exciting to see this project come to life thanks to a $4.46 million Get NSW Active grant that means locals and guests now have easier and safer access to the beautiful Nepean River.

“Walking and riding are healthy, clean and cost-effective ways to travel and the NSW Government is committed to improving active transport infrastructure.

“The completion of this path in partnership with the council and local community will support a healthier, more connected Penrith for years to come.”

Member for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies MP says following her strong advocacy she was pleased to have secured funding for the Factory Road shared path at Regentville.

“The construction of the Factory Road Shared path was made possible by the funding I secured for Penrith Council through the Get NSW Active program, and it’s completion is a win for better health and a win for reducing congestion on local roads,” Mrs Davies said.

“Critically, the path will improve the safety of local pedestrians and cyclists wanting to make their way from Glenmore Park and Regentville down to the beautiful Nepean River, all while encouraging an active lifestyle.”

This project was identified as a priority in Council’s 2021 Penrith Green Grid Strategy and the Penrith Accessible Trails Hierarchy Study (PATHS) Implementation Plan 2022-2032, which focuses on delivering and improving bicycle and shared paths for a liveable, active and accessible Penrith.