Westfield Kotara

Westfield Kotara is a shopping centre located in the suburb of Kotara in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It was opened in 1965 as Kotara Fair. In 2003 the shopping centre was purchased by the Westfield Group.[1]

Westfield Kotara (2008-Present), Garden City (1989-2008), Kotara Fair (1965-1989)
Westfield Kotara as seen from the corner of Northcott Drive and Park Avenue
LocationKotara, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates32°56′33.6″S 151°42′39.1″E
AddressCnr Park Avenue and Northcott Drive
Opening date6 October 1965 (1965-10-06) (as Kotara Fair)
DeveloperWoolworths Limited
ManagementScentre Group
OwnerScentre Group
No. of stores and services256
No. of anchor tenants6
Total retail floor area68,660 m2 (739,050 sq ft)
No. of floors3
Parking2,973
Public transit access
WebsiteWestfield.com - Kotara

The centre's major tenants include Coles, Target, Kmart, Woolworths and a David Jones. It is often locally referred to as Garden City, reflecting its former title.[1]

History
An outdated sign on Northcott Drive reflecting the centre's former name.

The centre was developed by Woolworths and was called Kotara Fair when it first opened on 6 October 1965.[2] It was anchored by a Woolworths supermarket and a Big W department store, and there were 27 speciality stores. Kotara Fair was purchased by David Jones in 1971 and was subsequently redeveloped. The expansion was completed in October 1974 and the centre was renamed Garden City. As part of the redevelopment, David Jones and Norman Ross department stores, as well a further 24 speciality stores, were added. Further redevelopment occurred in 1977 when Norman Ross closed, and another 13 speciality stores were added.[3]

In 1980 Garden City was purchased by AMP and in 1988 another expansion created the largest shopping centre in the Hunter Region. The expansion added a Super Kmart and Best & Less as well as bringing the total number of retailers to 120.

On 28 December 1989, shortly after completion of another expansion program, the centre suffered significant damage during the Newcastle earthquake. Most affected were the upper levels of the car park adjacent to Northcott Drive and the Super Kmart. Despite the damage, repairs were effected quickly.[4]

In 1995 Toys "R" Us opened and was followed in 1998 by the addition of 14 speciality stores.[3]

In 2003 following the purchase of Garden City by the Westfield Group, the centre was renamed Westfield Kotara. Westfield worked for over a year to expand Westfield Kotara in an expansion that significantly increased its size. The centre now features a total of 247 shops. The redevelopment commenced in May 2006. The new food court and half the mall opened on 16 August 2007. The Fashion Mall was completed in September 2007.[3]

In 2010 a development application was submitted for an eight screen cinema complex and possible ten pin bowling alley as part of a $12.5 million expansion in light of the opening of the new Charlestown Square in late 2010.[5] On 26 November 2015, an entertainment precinct called "The Rooftop" opened.[6] It includes an eight screen cinema complex and an open air dining area with between eight and 10 local and national restaurants and food outlets.[7][6]

Facilities
Westfield Kotara viewed from Park Avenue in September 2007

As of October 2015, Westfield Kotara had 256 stores, 68,660 m2 (739,050 sq ft) of floor space on two levels and 2,973 car spaces.[8]

References
  1. "Garden City becomes Westfield Kotara". Burnett Innovation. 12 August 2003. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  2. "Centro Roselands And Westfield Kotara Both Turn Forty". Shop Talk Newsletter. 14 October 2005. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  3. "Development History of Westfield Kotara". Westfield Group. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  4. "QVS Property & Maintenance". QVS Group. Retrieved 20 July 2008.
  5. Jones, Jacqui (10 August 2010). "Tenpin bowling plan for Kotara Westfield". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 10 October 2010.
  6. "The Rooftop Kotara". Westfield Kotara. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015.
  7. Gregory, helen (2 April 2015). "Work starts on Westfield Rooftop". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  8. "Westfield Kotara". Scentre Group. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
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