More entertainment, less parking in $235m Tea Tree Plaza revamp
The state’s Development Assessment Commission has approved the first stage of the $235 million Tea Tree Plaza revamp, with work expected to begin by the end of the year.
CARPARKING could be cut back and cinema screenings increased under a major $235 million revamp of Tea Tree Plaza.
The state’s Development Assessment Commission has approved the Scentre Group’s application for the first stage of the redevelopment, with work expected to begin by the end of the year.
The project would involve two extra cinemas.
Design plans seen by the Northeastern Weekly this month show a proposed entertainment and leisure precinct near the existing cinema at the junction of Reservoir and North East roads.
The plans also indicate a significant number of parking spaces could be gobbled up to make way for the extension, which would be completed in two stages.
But Scentre, which owns Tea Tree Plaza, would not say how many carparks might be lost.
The redevelopment includes cafes and restaurants, along with a refurbished lobby for moviegoers.
The Scentre Group’s application of “additions and alterations” to the plaza has been listed on the DAC website for many months.
Detailed plans for the second stage of development have not yet been submitted for approval.
That stage would focus on fashion, attracting such outlets as H&M and Uniqlo, with up to 95 new shops.
Tea Tree Gully Mayor Kevin Knight said the plaza’s expansion was good news for local consumers, but he wanted to know how the carparks would be replaced.
“It (the plaza) has a huge impact on our community – it’s a massive shopping precinct,” he said.
“It’s got to be good for the area. It’s very central to our city.”
The plaza is also in the process of upgrading its food court with work expected to be completed by the end of the year.
It will feature new seating, large communal benches and other improvements.
Management said access to the court would not be affected during the upgrade with work happening at night.