Greater Macarthur 2040: Macarthur Square considers being ‘more than just a retail centre’
One of Sydney’s biggest shopping centres is pondering its future look and wants to transform into a destination rather than just a retail centre.
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One of Sydney’s biggest shopping centres says it could be “more than just a retail centre” as it plans to navigate through the new era of online shopping.
Campbelltown’s Macarthur Square, which greets more than 11.5 million customers each year, says it is “inevitable” the site may welcome new uses such as housing, entertainment or educational.
In a submission to the Greater Macarthur 2040 Interim Plan, Macarthur Square operator Lendlease called on the Planning Department to be aware of shifting dynamics in the industry.
“Macarthur Square has immense potential to lead positive transformation in the centre over the next 20 years,” the submission stated.
“Opportunities for success that we see for Macarthur Square include ways in which the centre can evolve as more than just a retail centre.
“One cannot continue to restrict thinking that large retail centres will continue to remain unchanged into the future.”
Follow the Greater Macarthur 2040 series below:
CHAPTER ONE – Cutting-edge ‘campus-style’ building slated for city centre
CHAPTER TWO – Mac Square’s long-term vision: ‘More than just a retail centre’
CHAPTER THREE – City’s grand evolution to headline region’s growth
CHAPTER FOUR – Walker Corp calls for sleepy town to transform into new estate
CHAPTER FIVE – Government vows to protect precious koala colony
CHAPTER SIX – The suburbs to transform from paddock to pavement
The submission said “non-retail” aspects could feature prominently in a future Macarthur Square, as a response to the changing retail environment.
Centre manager Trevor Hill said the major retailer, which welcomes close to 12 million customers annually, would work with Campbelltown Council and the state government.
“We’ve started to develop a long term vision and masterplan for the Centre to ensure it continues to meet the community’s needs for the next 40 years,” he said.
“This vision will align with Council and State Government’s Greater Macarthur 2040 plan for the region, and will consider the Centre’s strategic importance as a transport and retail hub.
“The owners of Macarthur Square are committed to maintaining retail on the site but with the industry facing rapid change, the Centre will inevitably evolve to have a mix of uses on the site – this could include housing, educational, social, entertainment and recreational uses alongside retail.”
In 2017, a “new-look” $240 million redevelopment, including a featuring a fresh food market hall, a casual dining precinct and more than 40 specialty stores, was officially unveiled at the shopping centre, which is owned by GWSCF Trust and Australian Prime Property Fund Retail Trust.