North Parramatta: Woolworths, Mills shopping centre opens at North Rocks Rd

A $30m shopping centre in an area short-changed of supermarkets has opened in a converted western Sydney warehouse before peak Christmas trading. Take a look.

A Woolworths supermarket and cluster of specialty shops have opened on the former Bunnings warehouse site at North Parramatta where 12,000 residents are expected to keep the tills ticking beyond the peak Christmas retail period.

Construction of The Mills shopping centre started in May and was built swiftly at the North Rocks Rd site where the 3800sq m full-line supermarket, BWS liquor shop, World Gym, Goodfellas Barber, Sharetea and Gilly’s Cafe have also opened shop.

The vast Woolies has seafood, deli and bakery departments, and 200 staff. Shoppers also have an enclosed outdoor dining area.

Woolworths property development director Andrew Loveday said the former Bunnings building provided the “perfect foundation” for the shopping centre.

“This allowed us to complete the centre at speed for the local community, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability,’’ he said.

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the shops were an asset to the

neighbourhood and helped plug the gap for supermarkets.

Woolworths is the anchor tenant at the new The Mills North Parramatta shopping centre. Picture: Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths

“Unfortunately the Parramatta area has fewer supermarkets per person than almost anywhere else in Sydney,’’ he said.

“It’s great to see this fantastic Australian brand serving the community of Northmead.’’

The centre has 38 cycle bays and a pedestrian footbridge to link access from North Rocks Rd.

The supermarket will also have an accessible checkout, which is designed for team members living with a physical disability, including people who use wheelchairs and other

mobility aids such as walkers.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said retailers’ decision to invest at Parramatta sent a clear message that the city was the place to do business.

“This new modern and sustainable shopping centre will cater to the growing community of North Parramatta and surrounding suburbs,’’ he said.

“It is a welcome and much needed addition to our current retail landscape.’’

Consumers will also have access to a six-baby direct to boot service that allows grocery orders to be placed online and confirmed when arriving at the supermarket via the Woolworths app before staff pack goods in boots.