Revitalizing the theme park entertainment market in Western Sydney is the brainchild of Mount Druitt businessman, Ammar Khan.
Last month his company, Urban Estate Developments welcomed the international firm, Fox Petroleum Limited for the development of Sydney’s newest theme park, incorporating ‘Sydney’s Wonderland’.
Plans for the new theme park is to build, own and operate the multi-themed entertainment precinct. The company will soon finalise the proposed site, and formally lodge a proposal to the NSW Government.
For many living in Western Sydney, the Australia’s Wonderland was a big part of growing up and having access to a theme park in this region. None more so than for Ammar whose deep association with the theme park started when he was employed for nine years at the now closed Australia's Wonderland in Eastern Creek.
“I was devastated by the loss of the park, and as a Western Sydney resident I vowed to bring the park back, not just as a desire but a life consuming obsession," he said. For many people just like Ammar, those childhood memories will be resurrected and new ones built with the new theme park set to be built within three to five years.
The new theme park will not operate from the former site, Ammar says a site is yet to be identified, but plans are to find one close to the second airport n Badgery’s Creek.
The new theme park is a private initiative, but is in addition to the already popular Wet ‘n” Wild in Prospect, and plans for a new beach on the banks of the Parramatta River – all driving the economy in the Western Sydney region, and meeting the needs of the rapidly increasing population.
Under the Draft Parramatta City River Strategy, expected to cost more than $100 million in total, now on public exhibition. The strategy looks at bringing the river to life with paddle boats and kayaks, an open plaza, mini parks, terraced seating and activities such as outdoor cinemas.
“Parramatta has for too long turned its back on the river, we are a river city,” Parramatta Council chief executive Greg Dyer said.
Speaking about the new theme park, Dr Ajay Kumar, Managing Director of Fox Petroleum Limited, said: "We are excited by the potential opportunities brought by the Western Sydney Theme Park precinct, and the much sought Sydney's Wonderland theme park."
Ammar Khan, managing director of Urban Estate Developments Pty Ltd, has led the Western Sydney Theme Park project since 2009. He said: "We are very pleased to be in partnership with Fox Petroleum Limited, an organisation of quality leadership and a great vision."
The Western Sydney Theme Park is now proposed to be an even larger project then before. Fox Petroleum Limited will inject $1 billion dollars over 5 years for the stage 1 of the development consisting of Sydney's Wonderland, along with a wildlife park, water park, connected by a Multi-themed 'boulevard' with hotels operations, cinemas, restaurants and an array of entertainment facilities. Stage 2 of development will come with sporting, live music and convention venues.
Further Expressions of Interests are now being sought from interested businesses to take part in this new dynamic development.
Ammar said: “The tourism market of Sydney has long awaited and much needed a major entertainment and tourism precinct. We are excited about transforming the Australian tourism economy, working hand-in-hand with all other tourism operators, and bringing countless opportunities for employment and business.”
Further information is available on the Western Sydney Theme Park website on:
www.sydneyswonderland.com.au
Story by Keiasha Naidoo
