Emerton Village Shopping Centre: Woolworths, speciality stores unveiled in $30m upgrade
A tired and rundown shopping centre has received a long-awaited revamp, with the first stage of the new Emerton Village Shopping Centre opening its doors this week. SEE INSIDE THE IMPROVED CENTRE HERE.
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A western Sydney shopping centre in dire need of a facelift has celebrated the opening of the first stage of its long-awaited multimillion-dollar revamp.
Emerton Village Shopping Centre officially unveiled stage one of its $30 million redevelopment on Wednesday, with a brand new Woolworths supermarket and speciality stores.
The centre, which first opened in 1974, marked the milestone in its revamp after closing its doors in February to enable works to take place.
The redevelopment features a new, modern Woolworths, with an expanded fresh food area and pick-up service; an upgraded and expanded carpark with 150 additional spaces; and new and improved speciality stores and dining options.
Andrew Loveday, Woolworths Head of Property Development, said the revitalisation was a massive boost for the local economy, and would support 350 ongoing jobs.
“We’re really focused on delivering the best customer amenity for everyone,” Mr Loveday said.
“Everyone is just positive about it. Everyone is thrilled with the fact we’re delivering something new, that still respects the heritage of the original centre, but is going to be a really good facility for the community as well.
“It’s been so well embraced by the community.”
For local business owner Chris Ruhnau, pharmacist at Amal, the improvements have been decades in the making.
“I’m so excited, my customers have waited so long for this and have spent far too long feeling like nobody cared,” Mr Ruhnau said.
“Being able to bring them a brand new pharmacy inside a brand new shopping centre, is just one of the happiest days I’ve ever had.
“Knowing that they deserve to be able to come somewhere they feel safe and respected, is just a great feeling.”
Woolworths Emerton Store Manager Mario Azzopardi said the store had employed 50 new team members as part of its expansion.
“The renewal of Woolworths Emerton will provide a great shopping experience for our local customers, with good prices on products they want, a great fresh offer and the convenience they are looking for,” Mr Azzopardi said.
The revamp also features safety improvements throughout the centre, including upgraded carpark lighting and CCTV.
The final stage of the redevelopment is on track to open by Christmas and will feature more than 20 speciality stores, a cafe and restaurant precinct, post office, newsagent and barber.