Castle Towers shopping centre’s $900m expansion approved

The $900 million expansion plans for Castle Towers were approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel this morning.

An artist’s impression of the Stage 3 expansion fronting Old Northern Rd

• Plans for Castle Towers
• Paid parking on the way
• Electric cars plug in at Castle Towers

The $900 million expansion plans for Castle Towers have been given the green light by the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

The panel met this morning at Castle Hill to approved the much awaited redevelopment plans.

Chair of the JRPP Mary-Lynne Taylor said: “The panel considers it a suitable use of the site and it is in the public interest.”

The three-member panel deferred a decision at last month’s meeting to consult with the Greater Sydney Commission because of the regional significance of the shopping centre in Castle Hill.

Managing Director of QIC Global Real Estate, Steven Leigh, welcomed the decision, calling it a “significant milestone”.

“The new Castle Towers will be as much about lifestyle, recreation, entertainment, experiential events and dining as it will be an outstanding retail destination.”

The redevelopment will increase Castle Towers by up to 80,000sqm and increase parking capacity to more than 8000 vehicles.

Mr Leigh said the development will also improve access and circulation through the parking areas with the introduction of new entry and exit points from the upgraded Showground Rd and Pennant St.

“We will now move forward to progress and finalise the full scope, cost and development timing,” said Mr Leigh.

He said “comprehensive measures” would be put in place to ensure the proposed development works minimised the impact of the proposed development on customers, retailers and neighbours.

“We will work closely with all affected retailers throughout the planning process at the appropriate time,” he said.