Imagine stepping back in time to 1975. Westfield Parramatta emerges a retail giant. It was the largest shopping center in Australia at the time.
Today we explore Westfield Parramatta. It is more than just a shopping center. It is a vibrant hub with a rich history. This Parramatta icon has evolved over decades. It has mirrored changes in Australian retail and society.
Before Westfield, this site was already a retail hotspot. In 1933 Grace Bros opened their first suburban department store here. This store at Church and Argyle Streets became a local landmark. It expanded Parramatta’s town center south of the railway line.
Fast forward to 1971. Planners envisioned a new retail precinct. It would incorporate the existing Grace Bros store. Parramatta City Council approved the development. This included an expanded retail area and a tavern. The Grace Bros redevelopment boasted a food hall, supermarket and hardware section. There was also parking for over 2,000 cars.
Westfield Parramatta’s grand opening occurred in three stages. Stage one in May 1975 featured Target, Coles, Woolworths and 44 specialty stores. Stage two followed in September 1975. This made it the largest shopping center in Australia at that time. It included Grace Bros, Waltons and 60 specialty stores. Stage three completed the picture towards the end of 1975. It added a four-screen Village Cinemas complex, Westower Tavern and 14 specialty stores.
The first major redevelopment took place in 1986. Village Cinemas was refurbished. Over 300 stores were added. Waltons closed in 1987. Venture replaced it.
In 1989 a pedestrian underpass was proposed. It would link the center to the railway station. This eased commuter access to the stores.
Westfield Parramatta expanded again in 1992. Properties on the north side of Aird Street were purchased. Archaeological digs during development uncovered colonial artifacts. These finds revealed 19th-century building foundations. This reflected Parramatta’s early history. It is the second oldest settlement in Australia.
The 1996 redevelopment saw Westfield Parramatta regain its title. It became Australia’s largest shopping center again. Retail space expanded significantly. A multi-story air bridge connected new sections over Marsden and Aird Streets. David Jones relocated from its standalone store on Church Street. It opened in the space previously occupied by Venture. Village Cinemas expanded to eight screens. A new food market and food court also opened.
Another major redevelopment finished in 2006. A city block east of the center was developed. This became a multi-story cinema and lifestyle complex. Greater Union, now Event Cinemas, opened an 11-screen complex. An underground retail arcade linked the center to Parramatta railway station. This expansion added 70 new specialty shops and nearly 200 car spaces.
In 2007 Singapore’s GIC Real Estate acquired a 50% stake in Westfield Parramatta. In 2014 it came under the control of the Scentre Group.
From 2010 new stores opened. These included Uniqlo in 2015, Zara in 2016 and H&M in 2019.
Today Westfield Parramatta boasts 457 stores and services. There are 10 anchor tenants. The total retail floor area is 137,236 square meters. There are six floors and 4,661 parking spaces.
Westfield Parramatta is more than a shopping destination. It is a landmark. It continues to evolve. It reflects Parramatta’s growth and dynamism. From its humble beginnings to its current status, Westfield Parramatta remains a vital part of the community.