The injection of thousands of new residents to the north-western suburbs over the next five to 10 years has prompted Centro Retail Australia to invest $35 million in a major redevelopment at Centro Arndale – the first planned for the group nationally.
The significant development, which is due to commence next month, will meet the demand for additional and improved facilities from the growing population from the nearby Westwood, St Clair and Bowden Village developments, which combined have a potential for over 8,000 homes.
Centro State Manager Mario Boscaini says the development signals a welcome return in confidence to the South Australian retail sector and a boost for employment.
“Upon completion we estimate more than 100 retail jobs will be created, which is fantastic,” Mr Boscaini said.
“We’re really pleased to be in a strong position to be able to move ahead, which we know the retailers and the community alike are very excited about,” he said.
The Centro Arndale redevelopment includes:
• Major refurbishments and expansions of both the Woolworths supermarket and Big W Discount Department Store
• The addition of 15 specialty retailers together with the creation of new malls
• Upgrades to the existing malls and the Centre’s entrances
• Increased car parking spaces to 2,300
• Improved amenities including an additional new Parents’ Room
• New travelators from basement car park
• A new lift to service the basement and rooftop car parks which will improve convenience and access
“While there will be significant improvements in the shopping environment, one thing that won’t change is our commitment to supporting and fostering the local community,” Mr Boscaini said.
“The Centre at Arndale was to my knowledge the first enclosed shopping centre in Australia in 1963, so there’s a lot of history in these walls – for many it’s the heart of the community – and that’s something we’re keen to foster as we improve the centre.
“We’re looking forward to providing a fresh and vibrant retail space for the community,” he said.
Centro Arndale currently boasts 40,193 square metres of Gross Lettable Area and is anchored by Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Harris Scarfe, a Greater Union 8-cinema complex and 111 specialty stores.
It is expected the redevelopment will be completed by December 2012.
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