Any hope of a return to the glory days of Morley Galleria have all but disappeared as plans for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the shopping centre appear abandoned.
Four years since Victoria-based Vicinity Centres announced a deferral of the $350 million expansion, locals and members of parliament are demanding answers.
Morley Galleria has been described as a run-down, half empty shopping centre.Credit: Facebook
City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti took to social media on Wednesday to lash co-owners Vicinity and Perron Group for their inaction, saying her patience had “run out”.
“Since becoming mayor in 2021, I have made it a priority to engage with the Galleria owners and encourage swift redevelopment,” she said.
“I have respected the confidentiality of those discussions and have tried to work with the owners.
“Unfortunately, after years of delays and inaction, I no longer have faith in Vicinity’s promises nor in their ability to actually deliver any redevelopment.”
She went on further to accuse Vicinity of “neglecting” the shopping centre and its long-term tenants and loyal customers.
“Vicinity continues to ignore the impact on our community of a run-down, half-empty shopping centre at our doorstep,” she said.
“It’s past time – enough is enough.”
Her followers agreed, with one commenting; “It makes absolutely no sense why Vicinity is letting what was once a bustling, beloved city hub turn into a practically empty building”.
“It’s so sad seeing all the local businesses I’ve grown up with in Morley closing up shop or relocating … it’s time for them to pass Galleria on to a company that will actually make it what it deserves to be,” the commenter continued.
An artist’s impression from 2016 of the $350 million redevelopment of Galleria Shopping Centre. Credit: Vicinity Centres and Perron Group
The push for Vicinity to sell the property is being led by Morley MP Amber-Jade Sanderson after she started a petition titled; “Start it or sell it”.
“Growing up around Morley, I remember how much our town centre changed when the Morley Galleria first opened,” she said.
“It was a fantastic new facility in 1988 [to the final stage built in 1994], but has not been upgraded to meet the needs of our growing community in 2024.”
A spokesperson for Vicinity Centres said while the retail property group remained committed to the revitalisation it was unable to confirm a start date.
“Vicinity Centres is working hard to meet its commitments on the revitalisation of Galleria and delivering a contemporary centre that meets the retail, entertainment and leisure needs of the community,” they said.
“Our priority is to continue to support our retailers and customers and we look forward to progressing with our planned investment in the future of Galleria.”