Bayswater: Big names being chased as Mountain High Shopping Centre revamp begins

It’s been previously criticised for its run-down offerings, but a Bayswater shopping centre is in for a shake-up with a push to lure national brands.

A revamped entry is planned as part of the $15 million Mountain High Shopping Centre redevelopment in Bayswater. Picture: Supplied.

Bayswater’s shopping scene is set be transformed as the $15m revamp of the suburb’s shopping centre ramps up.

Mountain High Shopping Centre’s owners CHP Management want to lure national retailers to the redeveloped centre which is set to be finished in May.

Construction is well underway with tradies busy across the site, after Leader first revealed details of the redevelopment in September last year.

The centre’s main corridor is covered in white safety boards and scaffolding, and road closures are in place on High St and Macaulay Lane.

Only a newsagent, a tobacco shop and a sushi and coffee restaurant are still open on the centre’s upper level, along with Coles and Liquorland.

The northeast corner of the centre is being demolished and a multi level, 100-space childcare centre will be added as part of its revamp, along with expanded chemist and medical centre.

CHP spokesman Charles Hunt said the centre would focus on hospitality, health, beauty and gifts but did not reveal new retailers.

However, Mr Hunt said management were having “lots of ongoing talks with national chains”, and it would be “an attractive location for existing and new tenants”.

“The revitalised Mountain High will be a truly one-stop-shop for most daily needs and services for the local and surrounding communities,” he said.

Readers had their say on what they wanted to see at the new centre on Knox Leader’s Facebook page.

The suggestions ranged from small businesses such as fish and chip shops and butchers to the likes of JB Hi-Fi, Kmart and Big W.

Belinda Rollason called out for “some decent cafes” and Pranav Aggarwal agreed, saying the area needed “better cafes and bars”.

Lee Sixx wanted a European deli and clothes shops, while Blake Lines wanted “another two or three op shops”.

Matt Schwab called for even bigger attractions including a Timezone games centre and a TGI Friday’s restaurant.

Mr Hunt said remaining retailers would move around the centre into tenancies not affected by construction until the centre’s revamp was finished.

A drop-in session for potential new tenants and the community is being planned in the coming weeks.