Westfield Doncaster upgrade: Changes to food court plans

The massive expansion of Westfield Doncaster is a step closer, with two more businesses set to join its new-look food court. And the shopping centre giant is promising plenty of extra parking to cater for the expected increase in customers.

An artist's impression of plans for Westfield Doncaster.

A plan to add two extra businesses at the expanded food court at Westfield Doncaster has been approved by Manningham Council.

Westfield got the council’s approval to upgrade its level four food court and carpark in March but has revisited the plan since.

Westfield has not revealed what the new food outlets will be.

It now wants an extra two businesses to be included in the dining precinct which meant reconfiguring the carpark.

Plans for an emergency carpark outside the expanded level four food court have been scrapped but room has been found for an extra five disabled spaces.

The council has approved the revised plans, which will not see a change to the provision of nine parent spaces.

A council report said the dedicated emergency space was not required because there was “sufficient space for emergency vehicles to park”.

Westfield also plans to have about 150 more parking spaces than required under the planning scheme.

MORE: POLICE TO PROVIDE SECURITY ADVICE

COUNCIL GREEN LIGHT UPGRADE WORKS

PLAN TO CLOSE WESTFIELD DRIVE

A Scentre Group spokesperson said in March customer feedback on parking was “overwhelmingly positive”.

“As we move forward with upgrading the dining precinct, we are confident our customers will continue to have an improved parking experience,” she said.

The planned ground level awning at the intersection of Doncaster and Williamsons roads has also been reduced.

The $500 million project was made public in May 2016.

The overall plans are expected to add an additional 43,000sq m of retail floor space and 18,000sq m of commercial office space.

Also expected is an improved bus interchange at street level, closer to Williamsons Rd, with provision for buses to do a loop within the interchange.

The work is also expected to improve vehicle and pedestrian access to and within the centre, including relocating the existing main vehicle entrance from Williamsons Rd further north towards Westfield Drive.