HE backers of a $500 million Chinese
cultural theme park proposed for a site near Wyong say they are close to lodging a development application.
On Monday they released a new video animation showing their plans for the 15-hectare site at Warnervale.
An application to build the first stage of the park is expected to be lodged within weeks, but the plans revealed on Monday show it will include a ‘Thanksgiving Temple’ which comprises three main buildings and statues.
The broader plan comprises 12 individual areas including a meridian gate, treasure ship, arts and crafts workshop and even a ‘panda paradise’ themed area.
“It is incredibly exciting to get to the stage of lodging a development application and to see the sheer scale of the project,” Wyong mayor Doug Eaton said.
“I’ve truly never seen anything like this before – it’s going to blow people away when they watch the video and get a sense of how big and imaginative this concept really is and what it can do in terms of tourism for our shire.
“The developers have long been telling us that this theme park will be up there with the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in terms of tourist attractions and I’ve got to hand it to them – it’s absolutely in that category.’’
To be called Chappypie China Time, the proponent Australia-China Theme Park Pty Ltd says its aim is to integrate Chinese culture, nature and spirit into the ambitious project. They hope to open the park’s first stage in 2016.
Wyong council sold the company the land, adjacent to Warnervale airport, in 2012 for $10 million.
“The mayor of Wyong Shire Council was willing to back us when no one else would,” company CEO Bruce Zhong said.
“The mayor understands Chinese culture and the need for local government involvement in terms of attracting Chinese investment and now the results are in for everyone to see.”
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