Macarthur Square to expand retail experience
The first sod of the $240 million redevelopment of Macarthur Square in the southwest Sydney suburb of Campbelltown was turned on September 1.
The redevelopment will add 16,000sqm, significantly increasing the centre’s retail, fresh food and dining offering and consolidating its position as the largest retail centre in southwest Sydney.
The redeveloped Macarthur Square will include new stores – a 4500sqm Coles, 1500sqm Aldi and 2500sqm Harris Scarfe, as well as an expanded and refurbished Target, a refurbished Woolworths, and approximately 550 new car spaces.
Around 45 specialty stores will be introduced as well as a fresh food market hall and new dining offers adjacent to a large dining terrace that will be an outdoor extension of the Fresh Food Market Hall. An all-weather space, the terrace will enable shoppers to enjoy meals alfresco-style.
Latest digital access
Digital directories will be incorporated throughout the centre, along with a number of digital screens, including a large screen in the main centre court area. Free WiFi will be available for customers throughout the centre.
Macarthur Square is jointly owned by the Lendlease-managed Australian Prime Property Fund Retail (APPF Retail), and the GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund, managed by The GPT Group.
Lendlease Head of Retail, Gary Horwitz, said the redevelopment would strengthen the position of Macarthur Square by extending and upgrading the retail mix, including a revamped David Jones. The expansion will occur predominantly to the west of the existing centre, with a new suspended mall extending from David Jones.
“At Lendlease we don’t just aim to offer a diversified retail mix, we strive to deliver the ultimate customer experience to shoppers,” Horwitz told Inside Retail Weekly. “We look to integrate with the surrounding community and deliver an experience that complements the lifestyle of our shoppers.”
Horwitz said Macarthur Square’s David Jones store will undergo a complete refurbishment to realise the, “next generation David Jones Department Store”.
“Lendlease and GPT Group founder, Dick Dusseldorp, had a vision for the Macarthur region when, in 1979, he opened the doors of a newly-built shopping centre to provide luxury and convenience right on the community’s doorstep,” Horwitz said. “We are continuing his vision and giving back to a community that has shown the centre so much loyalty.”
Natural retail ambience
The redevelopment has also taken into account considerations of sustainability and the latest green economics in its building approach. A composite roof and façade system will provide greater insulation benefits, while the latest in energy efficient lighting will be used in combination with controlled natural light to create the ideal retail ambience.
Natural colour palettes, as well as natural materials, will also be featured, including the use of wood, which a nod to Macarthur Square’s agricultural past of bringing the city to the country.
“As well as building the best place for Macarthur, it is also about leaving something for future generations,” Horwitz explained. “Demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, the Macarthur Square redevelopment will achieve a 4-Star Green Star – As Built rating.”
The centre is well serviced by public transport – with trains on the Sydney suburban rail network, and by southwest Sydney bus services in the Campbelltown, Macarthur and Camden areas.
When the redevelopment is completed, it is anticipated that Macarthur Square will move up the ranking of the largest shopping centres in NSW – from its present position as the state’s 10th largest.
Enhancing local retail & community
The redevelopment will stimulate the local economy by offering further opportunities for retailers as well as boosting employment in the region. It is estimated that, when complete, the redevelopment will add 1000 new retail positions.
Macarthur Square is also working alongside the Campbelltown Arts Centre and Campbelltown City Council to create an arts and cultural event calendar, thereby strengthening the centre’s place as the hub of the local community.
Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the main extension to be completed prior to Christmas 2016. Lendlease’s Building business will design, project manage and construct the project.
“Lendlease has an outstanding track record in retail delivery,” Horwitz said. “In particular, it has extensive experience in managing construction work so that shopping centres can operate safely and maintain trade.”
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