That eight-pointed star. A beacon atop Westfield Miranda. It’s a symbol. A silent witness to decades of shopping sprees family outings and countless memories.
Westfield Miranda isn’t just a shopping centre. It’s a piece of Sutherland Shire history. Opened in 1964 as Miranda Fair it quickly became a local landmark. Imagine the excitement then. The largest shopping centre in Australia. Two major department stores Grace Bros and Farmers. A true marvel of its time.
The original design was a feat of architecture. It boasted a child minding centre a playground and parking for over 1100 cars. A far cry from today’s sprawling 128410 square meters of retail space. The centre even housed the Miranda Library for a time. The library moved in 1964. It later relocated outside the centre in 1985.
Westfield purchased Miranda Fair in 1969. Major renovations and expansions followed. The 1971 expansion made it the biggest shopping centre in Australia then. The addition of Grace Bros made it the first regional shopping centre in Sydney with two major department stores. Further expansions in 1984 and 1992 added even more shops restaurants and an entertainment precinct. Remember Tilt that old arcade?
The centre’s iconic star has been a constant throughout its history. A symbol of Miranda. The star even survived a few controversies. When the office tower was demolished in 2013 during renovations locals were upset. They wanted to save the star. The fig tree outside the building survived however. It stands tall even now incorporated into the new development.
Today Westfield Miranda continues to evolve. It’s more than shopping. It’s a community hub a place for family time and social gatherings. The recent addition of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq promises even more entertainment options.
So as you stand here gazing at this impressive structure remember its rich past. Westfield Miranda’s story is one of growth adaptation and enduring community connection. A story written in the twinkle of that rooftop star.