Solar energy coming to Penrith’s five-star hotel and convention centre
At the sprawling Penrith Panthers precinct, the 152-room Pullman Sydney Penrith and its adjoining 1,250m2 Western Sydney Convention Centre will benefit from a solar installation from Nectr.
The installation will generate 236 megawatt hours of electricity per year, saving around 130 tonnes of carbon and $72,000 per year in energy costs.
“Projects like this show how solar can deliver immediate cost savings while supporting long-term sustainability goals,” said Nectr Solar and Battery’s interim managing director, Hayden Barry.
“We’re proud to be chosen as the solar partner for the Panthers Group. We’re excited to help power their operations with clean, reliable energy for better business outcomes.”
New hotel lined up for Bradfield
Bradfield, the new city in development beside Western Sydney International airport has signed up its first hotel.
Plenary Group has inked a $1 billion deal with the NSW Government and Bradfield Development Authority to develop a 5.7 hectare superlot in Bradfield.
The deal will see Plenary develop housing, a university campus, commercial, retail and essential services spaces, an F&B venue and a hotel on the site.
Plenary Group is currently in the final stages of construction for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre and has already completed the Crowne Plaza Geelong, now open in the convention centre precinct.
micenet understands the development of the hotel in Bradfield is some years off coming to fruition.
The Porter House Hotel shortlisted for international prize
The 122-key hotel in Sydney’s city centre on Castlereagh St has been shortlisted by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the 2026 RIBA International Awards for Excellence.
Fifty-two buildings from around the world have been shortlisted, including houses, libraries, universities and arts centres.
The Porter House Hotel is one of five Australian buildings nominated, but the only hotel.
The hotel is located within a preserved 1870s building that was once a tobacco factory. It had a 36-storey tower added around it, the first ten floors of which form the accommodation element of the Porter House Hotel. The original heritage building serves as home to restaurants, bars and private dining and event spaces.
Having already won a couple of architecture awards in Australia, the Porter House Hotel will find out if it has another accolade to its name on June 11, when the winners are announced for the 2026 RIBA International Awards for Excellence.
