Westfield Doncaster tipped for expansion to compete with nearby retailers

WESTFIELD Doncaster is reportedly holding discussions about expansion plans as nearby shopping centres lock in half-billion-dollar upgrades.

n44dt956 file pictures of Westfield shopping centre at the corner of Doncaster and Williamsons road, Doncaster.

WESTFIELD Doncaster is reportedly holding “meaningful discussions” with Manningham Council about expansion as neighbouring shopping centres lock in half-billion-dollar upgrades.

Rumblings about an expansion to the centre have emanated from Manningham Council amid a buckling carpark situation, surging retail demand and intense competition from other centres.

A report on Westfield’s application for 570 extra car spaces noted the retailer was engaged in “meaningful discussions” with the council regarding future expansion.

“The demand for retail space at Westfield Doncaster already exceeds supply, with the centre receiving interest from international mini-major brands,” the council report states.

“Reinvestment is necessary to maintain a competitive advantage over surrounding regional shopping centres.”

Eastland Shopping Centre in Ringwood and Chadstone Shopping Centre in Chadstone are in the process of redevelopments each costing more than $550 million.

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Compared with Eastland, Chadstone and Northland shopping centres, Westfield Doncaster has the lowest proportion of car spaces per shopping centre area.

The additional 570 car spaces would bring the total number of spaces far above the minimum requirement set during the centre’s previous upgrade in 2008.

Westfield spokeswoman Julia Clarke said the company had nothing to announce at this stage and would not speculate on the cost of any future redevelopments.

But she confirmed Westfield wanted the Doncaster outlet to “stay relevant” in the retail landscape.

“The nature of retail is that it is constantly moving and shopping centres need to be redeveloped every seven to 10 years,” she said.

Ms Clark said the recent approval for additional parking was independent of any potential future expansion.

Westfield declared last year it would be preparing a 15-year masterplan for the Doncaster site, but the council’s chief executive Joe Carbone said no plan had been formally lodged.

INVESTMENT PLANS

■ Eastland Shopping Centre: $575 million expansion

■ Chadstone Shopping Centre: $580 million expansion

■ The Glen Shopping Centre: $500 million expansion

■ Westfield Knox: $450 million expansion

■ Westfield Doncaster: value unknown.