MIRANDA FAIR EXPANDS
Miranda Fair underwent its first major expansion after it was bought by Westfield in 1969.
When the redevelopment was completed in 1971, the shopping centre had trebled in floor space and was bigger than Roselands.
Coinciding with the project, a new four lane bridge was built on Wandella Road over the railway line, providing another connection between Kingsway and President Avenue.
The Leader produced a 50-page supplement to “celebrate Miranda Fair’s conversion into a mighty Westfield Shoppingtown”.
“Two major department stores and more than 70 other retail establishments make the new Fair the largest centre of its kind in Australia,” the Leader reported.
Miranda Fair was established in 1964 by Farmer and Company, and Farmer’s was the sole department store and major tenant.
The centre included a Woolworths supermarket and about 20 other shops.
The expanded centre included Grace Bros, a Woolworths Family Centre, hardware giant Nock & Kirby’s and pharmacists Washington Soul Pattinson.
A feature of Grace Bros was “a sophisticated restaurant” and two coffee shops.
The Terrace Room on the top floor of Grace Bros, which enjoyed panoramic views to the City, was a popular self-serve restaurant.
The adjoining Miranda Room catered for wedding receptions, parties, conferences and informal gatherings at night.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you a photograph of a news event from 57 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
Flashback Friday submissions are also welcomed.
Feel free to share your recollections with us on our Facebook page @stgeorgesutherlandleader or email leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au
