Eastern Creek Quarter: $72m shopping, dining precinct to open
Western Sydney’s newest shopping centre has announced an opening date, almost three months after its scheduled opening was put on hold due to COVID-19. SEE FIRST PHOTOS INSIDE THE NEW CENTRE HERE.
Blacktown
Don't miss out on the headlines from Blacktown. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Eastern Creek Quarter launches stage two, calls for big box retailers
- Mt Druitt CBD: $1.49b plan approved, 15,000 new jobs, homes, businesses
Western Sydney’s newest shopping centre, Eastern Creek Quarter, will open to the public this week, almost three months after its opening was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Stage one of the $72 million development at Eastern Creek will be unveiled this Wednesday, June 10, with the official opening of a new Woolworths supermarket, almost 50 speciality retailers and a dining precinct.
Original plans to open the centre on March 19 were put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, with Woolworths temporarily converting the supermarket into an online store to help service demand.
An announcement on the centre’s social media advised the centre would open this week in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
“Eastern Creek Quarter would like to thank you for your patience and no, this is not a drill, we will be opening on Wednesday, June 10,” the announcement read.
“We can’t wait to meet our community and whilst current restrictions mean our launch will look a little different, you are invited to join the live steam of our Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, and ribbon cutting to mark the occasion on Facebook.”
Felicity Armstrong, General Manager Retail Assets at Frasers Property Australia, said Eastern Creek would bring something unique to western Sydney retail.
“From the convenience of a new Woolworths supermarket, to a comprehensive health and wellbeing offer, and an Australian-first dining experience with a distinct local flavour, we’re proud to welcome the community to its new super-neighbourhood centre,” Ms Armstrong said.
“Eastern Creek Quarter is not the only shopping centre affected by COVID-19 but it has nonetheless been a challenging and uncertain time for our retailers.
“(This week) many will open their doors after a patient wait, and their spectacular stores will be available for the community to enjoy.”
Local businesses are at the heart of the new development.
“There’s nothing else like ECQ in Sydney and we encourage everyone in the local area to support the local businesses which will give ECQ its own identity,” Centre Manager Amanda Whittle said.
Eastern Creek Quarter’s highly-anticipated ‘revolving’ dining precinct, ECQ Social, will also open to the public, featuring eateries Pho Ever, Marijan’s Grill, Thai Master, Middle East Feast, Hanmade’s Bakehouse, Desi Hatti Street Food Indian cuisine and bubble tea outlet Chatime.
In an Australian first, the street food eateries will operate on short-term leases, keeping food offerings fresh and giving new vendors the chance to serve up their goods.
ECQ Social offers covered and alfresco seating, with a large outdoor digital screen, kids play area and outdoor deck.
The centre also features a BWS liquor, Bonds outlet, medical centre, dentist, pharmacy and gym, among dozens of other fresh food outlets and retail stores.
Leasing on stage two of the development is already underway and is anticipated to feature up to 20 retailers, including big box stores, for homewares, electrical and whitegoods, adventure goods and pet supplies.
