HURSTVILLE Westfield unveiled its $105 million redevelopment on Thursday with a loud bang of drums and a lion dance.
Hundreds of people milled about at Centre Court and at the various levels overlooking the court to get a good look at the ribbon cutting by Scentre Group chief executive Peter Allen and DEXUS Property Group chief operations officer Craig Mitchell.
Mr Allen praised Hurstville as a vibrant and most diverse area of Sydney and said $105 million had gone into creating a gathering place where people could spend their leisure time and shop.
"The redevelopment at Westfield Hurstville has been designed with the local community in mind," he said.
"Every part of the project has been created to deliver an extraordinary place that meets the unique needs of the Hurstville shopper."
Mr Allen then announced a $20,000 windfall to the local branch of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
The alliance's chief executive Rob White said Westfield had been a great support in the past 10 years and that the money would go towards paediatric wheelchairs.
The ribbon was cut and the Lebanese drummers continued to play, creating an exotic atmosphere to go with the centre's exotic new look.
Judging by the crowded car park and the busy shops, the Scentre Group behind Westfield had struck the right note.
"It's incredible, amazing, just what the centre needed," said Christie, 28, from Beverly Hills.
Sa, having lunch with son Bob and mum Lin Chu, was thrilled to bits with all the choices.
"I love all of it," she said.
For some the development's highlight, The Rooftop dining area, was a little too heat affected to encourage dining and lingering.
But a Westfield spokeswoman said that fans with mist would be installed on really hot days.
When in full swing The Rooftop will have a mix of international and local cuisine from Greek souvlaki to gourmet burgers. New retailers include Big W, JB Hi-Fi Home, Rebel, Woolworths (a third supermarket for the centre), Cotton On Flagship, Hype DC and Bonds.
What do you think about the revamped Hurstville Westfield?