Perisher Blue ski area in Australia is forging ahead with its plans for a cvopmplete resort overhaul over the next few years.

The resort recently obtained approval of the Perisher Detailed Village Design Plan (DVDP) and will lodge a Master Plan Development Application for the Village Centre in the next few months with construction planned to commence in 2005 subject to associated agreements with Government being settled.

The DVDP proposes a new Village Centre for Perisher Valley, with approximately 800 new beds in 239 new apartments in seven new buildings on the existing Perisher Valley car park. The Plan also provides for retail and commercial space as well as a recreation and community centre including swimming pool, gymnasium and a multi purpose area doubling as a cinema, indoor climbing area and sports hall together with new public car parking areas.

New pedestrian paths, landscaping, signage, lighting and public art will highlight the public amenity of the central Perisher Valley area and create a sense of arrival and community in a spectacular environment.

The combination of the Mountain Master Plan and the Village Design Plan will see the revitalisation of the resort and its emergence as a leading example of environmental best practice and sustainability.

The DVDP has been recognised by the NSW Division of the Planning Institute of Australia with an Award for Excellence in Planning in the 'Urban Design - Plans and Ideas' category.

This coming southern hemisphere winter 2004, Perisher Blue skiers and riders will enjoy new areas of snowmaking top to bottom on the Excelerator Run on the Ridge Chairlift at Blue Cow. This latest commitment will ensure reliable snow cover on some of Australia's best and most exciting advanced terrain.

For more information on Perisher's plans with the option to subscribe to e-mail updates about village and mountain developments visit www.perisherblue.com.au/winter/resort_development