Westpoint Blacktown announces dates for carpark reopening

Westpoint Blacktown has announced a date for the reopening of stage one of its carpark, a year after structural issues forced its closure.

Westpoint Blacktown will reopen a substantial section of its closed carpark after structural issues led to its closure last August. Picture: Angelo Velardo

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Shoppers at Westpoint Blacktown are set to regain parking spaces this week.

A substantial section of the car park will reopen a year after structural issues forced the centre to close more than half its carpark for repairs.

Westpoint centre manager Agata Rynkiewicz said: “Works to safely and completely rectify the structural issues affecting the closed areas of the Westpoint car park are on track, and we are very pleased to confirm that the first stage will reopen on August 30.

Stage one of Westpoint Blacktown’s carpark reopening is set for this Friday, August 30. Picture: Kate Lockley

Pedestrian access from the car park to the centre will reopen, along with vehicle entry and exit points from Balmoral and Alpha St, excluding one exit onto Alpha St.

The reopened section of the car park, which is closest to Balmoral St, will be connected to the unaffected areas of the Westpoint car park via vehicle access only, with pedestrian access between the two open car park sections available through the centre itself.

Structural issues forced the closure of more than half Westpoint Blacktown’s carpark last August. Picture: Kate Lockley

Ms Rynkiewicz said the remaining section of the car park was due to reopen before Christmas.

“We are pleased to also confirm that we expect the final remaining car spaces to reopen before our busy Christmas period, at which time staff parking will also return to the centre,” she said.

Westpoint closed more than half its carpark — about 2500 spaces — after issues with support pillars were uncovered last August.

Westpoint has since undertaken concrete remediation works and installed bracings and footing reinforcements to rectify the issues.

Westpoint Blacktown has closed large sections of its carpark for an investigation into its 'structural integrity'. Picture: Heath Parkes-Hupton

Westpoint thanked shoppers for their patience during the lengthy repair works.

“On behalf of all my Westpoint team, I’d like to express our gratitude and sincere thanks to

those in our community who have continued to shop locally and shown a willingness to work

with us and our retailers during the past 12 months — your support has been invaluable,” Ms Rynkiewicz said.

The carpark reopening cames just after the opening of the centre’s revamped Fresh Food precinct on level 1. Picture: Supplied

The carpark reopening comes just after the launch of the centre’s new, revamped Fresh Food precinct on level one.

The upgrade included new amenities, seating areas, children’s play space and a leafy courtyard.

“This refresh forms part of our ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of the Westpoint community and features a redesigned look and feel inspired by nature and the cultures which make up our vibrant community,” Ms Rynkiewicz said.

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