Region. Resurgence of industrial space

Colliers International recently leased 60,000 square metres of industrial space in Western Sydney over an eight-week period. “The types of businesses that have been committing to these buildings are manufacturers, warehouse and distribution, transport groups and government agencies,” said Gavin Bishop, national director industrial for Colliers. He said land sales in greater Sydney would continue to improve over the next six to 12 months.

Parramatta. Business manager for church

The Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, the fastest growing diocese in Australia, has advertised the new position of business manager for the diocese, which contains 49 parishes and runs 77 Catholic schools, as well as many health, aged care, welfare and community services in Western Sydney.

Sydney Olympic Park. $7.7m playground

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has announced a $7.7 million investment in a “mega park” at Blaxland Riverside Park, which adjoins Sydney Olympic Park. The facility will take up an area larger than four football fields and is set to triple the park's capacity to 4800 people a day and turn Blaxland Riverside Park into a mega-park for Western Sydney … this park will take the pressure off the nearby Bicentennial Park, which at peak times can be difficult for families to find a place to play," Ms Keneally said. Families can expect to be able to use the playground from as early as April, with the park expected to be completed by early 2012.

Castle Hill. $60 million Bunnings store

Bunnings expects to open a $60 million store in Castle Hill next year. The two-level store will be built on a 1.97-hectare site and will be on two levels on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Salisbury Road. It will provide employment for 270 staff as well as 345 construction jobs. Bunnings hopes the development will strengthen its network in north-west Sydney. It opened a store in Seven Hills this year and will start building a store in Rouse Hill in early 2011.

Penrith. Council reviewing submissions

Penrith City Council is reviewing public submissions on a plan to build Norwest-type offices, an exhibition centre and a Norton Street-style alfresco strip around Panthers. Panthers Group and ING Real Estate Development have entered into a joint venture, the Panthers Partnership. Penrith City Centre Association spokesman, Gordon Henwood, said it supported a recreation, leisure and entertainment precinct, but said a ‘‘duplicate CBD’’ would have a ‘‘devastating effect on the city as a whole’’. Westfield objected to the plan based on the rezoning of land for retail and the level of retail proposed. Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce president, Peter McGhee, said the chamber supported development that contributed to jobs and the economy. A council spokesman said should it support the proposal it would submit it to the Department of Planning for the final stages of rezoning