Coronavirus: Westfield Penrith to stay open; 100 stores closed
The CEO of Scentre Group has provided an update on the foreseeable future of its major western Sydney shopping centre.
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Westfield Penrith will stay open for the foreseeable future despite more than 100 stores being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
115 stores in Westfield have closed their doors during the coronavirus pandemic, while most food stores are offering takeaway only.
Recent government lockdown measures, including a ban on eating in at restaurants or food courts, has threatened to turn shopping centres into ghost towns, but Scentre Group CEO Peter Allen said Westfield Penrith would still remain open.
“Based on the Federal Government’s latest guidance, our shopping centres remain open as they provide essential activities,” he said.
“We all have a role to play in keeping people employed during this very difficult period for all businesses across the economy. Our industry and our company is acutely aware of this.
“We acknowledge these unprecedented times and government measures are being put into place to manage the health and wellbeing of Australians and promote social distancing. We have rapidly implemented these into our operations.
“Some retailers will need to close to meet government requirements as they are announced.
“We are not asking other retailers to close nor is the Government. It is entirely the decision of individual retailers if they choose to for their own reasons.”
Meanwhile, Mr Allen, who is also the chairman of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, has called on other shopping centres to make sure businesses won’t be evicted during the pandemic.
“We have been advised that governments have received direct feedback that some owners are not engaging with the empathy that is required during these times,” he said.
“This is surprising, and if correct, very disappointing and frustrating to hear.
“The SCCA asks members to ensure there are no lease terminations for non-payment of rent for small and medium-sized businesses as we work through this period.”