WESTFIELD Hurstville’s $100 million upgrade is expected to give the area a much-needed boost following the closure of Myer earlier this year.
After Myer shut its doors many shoppers and business people bagged Westfield management and Myer for allowing the centre to become run down.
Both Hurstville Chamber of Commerce and the council welcomed the news and expected shoppers to troop back when it was complete.
Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield shopping centres in Australia and New Zealand, announced the redevelopment on Friday.
Construction will start immediately and is expected to continue until the end of this year.
Centre manager Linda Hurst said the refurbishment would involve new floor finishes, lighting, ceiling treatments, furniture and soft furnishings.
Ms Hurst said the key feature of the redevelopment would be the new rooftop alfresco dining area adjoining the entry to a refurbished and modified Event Cinema, which will offer a VMAX screen.
New retailers to move into the centre include Woolworths, Big W, JB Hi-Fi, Home and Rebel.
Parking will be streamlined, with the car parks managed by both Westfield and Hurstville Council to operate under the same system.
Both will install a ticketless, number-plate recognition system and offer three hours of free parking.
‘‘Westfield Hurstville services a trade area of more than 329,000 people and receives on average 17.8 million annual customer visits,’’ Ms Hurst said.
‘‘We are delighted to announce this redevelopment that will deliver exciting new retailers, improved parking and a vibrant rooftop dining precinct.’’
Ms Hurst said she was confident the community would welcome the project and it would bring a fresh new look to Westfield Hurstville.
‘‘We look forward to sharing updates about the construction in the coming months,’’ she said.
The construction program will start immediately and is expected to continue until late in the year.
Hurstville Chamber of Commerce president Lou Konjarski was especially pleased with the proposed new restaurants and shops such as Rebel and Big W.
‘‘It will be fantastic for trade, bringing in a range of new shoppers,’’ Mr Konjarski said. ‘‘It’s been a long while since Westfield had a makeover.’’
Hurstville mayor Con Hindi welcomed the centre’s rejuvenation and said shoppers would come back to Hurstville from Miranda.
He also suggested the Scentre Group could buy the land where Westfield was located from the council and develop it further.
‘‘The council is open to selling if it is the right price for the community,’’ he said.
Ms Hurst said further updates about the work would be released in coming months.
What would you like to see go in to Westfield Hurstville in the revelopment?