Cinema, gym, restaurants and a multi-storey carpark — all part of grand $60m vision for local shops

THE owner of a suburban shopping centre says he’s putting the final touches to plans for a $60 million revamp that includes new restaurants, a cinema and a gym.

PLANS for a $60 million upgrade of Newton Central — including a cinema and up to 75 shops — are being prepared for Campbelltown Council.

Centre owner Frank Salandra has confirmed he’s in the final stages of developing a plan to revamp the Gorge Rd centre — and he’ll likely lodge an application with the council’s development assessment panel before the year is out.

His vision for the centre includes a multistorey building on the existing carpark, a cinema, triple the number of shops, restaurants and a gym.

He anticipated construction work would begin “in the very near future”.

“It’s a very long process and it will be a very important project, so it’s critical to get the plans right and make sure they are developed properly,” said Mr Salandra, who first announced the upgrade plans two years ago, but has only now put a cost on the redevelopment.

“Hopefully they will be ready towards the end of the year so I can submit a development application to the council.

“But the completion of the upgrade is still probably a few years away.

“I’ve owned the site for about three years and have a big vision for it, but these things do take time.”

Mr Salandra hoped the revamp would encourage nearby residents, especially young people, to shop locally, rather than at Tea Tree Plaza or the city.

recreation activities.

“The revamp will mean we will be able to offer a wider range and more excellent facilities for the community to enjoy,’” he said.

“Hopefully it will fulfil their requirements and keep them here in the northeast rather than going into the city.”

He expected about 1000 jobs to be directly and indirectly created during construction and then in retail.

Campbelltown Mayor Simon Brewer welcomed the news and hoped the upgrade would happen sooner rather than later to ensure the northeast remained viable.

“We are losing a lot of economic activity to places like Tea Tree Plaza, the city, Norwood and Burnside Village, so this centre is in the perfect place to reverse that trend,” Mr Brewer said,

“The cinema will be particularly beneficial and I hope he can attract one other major anchor tenant, like Harris Scarfe or Myer, to complement the existing offerings there.”

Newton Central currently houses about 25 shops, including Target and Foodland.