Westfield Kotara’s $160 million redevelopment will open from mid October.
The redevelopment will see the introduction of an eastern mall on Level 2 dedicated to fashion and lifestyle. The Level 3 rooftop extension will providing a mix of family, health, food and entertainment experiences.
New stores due to open from mid October include H&M, JB Hi-Fi, Platypus, Skechers, Johnny Bigg, Hype DC, Universal Store, Carla Swimwear, Surf Dive n Ski, Barber Industries, Mr & Mrs Jones, The Athlete’s Foot, Angus & Coote and Jeanswest.
Westfield Kotara will be the only centre between Sydney and the Gold Coast where customers can shop a three-level full line David Jones, Zara and H&M all in the one location.
“Retail is changing. Our centre will become a place of discovery, where our customers can come together and experience the latest in fashion, lifestyle and entertainment, all under one roof”, Westfield Kotara centre manager Sarah Sylvester said.
The design will feature similar finishes and colour palette, creating a seamless transition from the existing centre to the new.
The Level 2 mall specifically will feature natural light thanks to a skylight that runs throughout the space and darker accent colours to give it a modern edge.
Travelators providing better access to Level 2, 2M and 3, The Rooftop, are ready to be installed.
The internal fitout for a new-format Kmart currently is underway.
Westfield Kotara is also undergoing improvements to its multi-level carpark, including additional spaces, better circulation and introducing a new parking system designed to make parking easier and more efficient.
The first of the 500 new car spaces will open from mid October on Level 1 and 1M.
Westfield Kotara will also install 4,122 solar panels to the new centre, with 730 of these dedicated to creating a shade canopy on the Level 3 carpark. The canopy will produce about 2100Wh/p.a of energy upon completion
“Westfield Kotara is set to become a thriving retail hub for the local community and will be unlike anything else in the Hunter region by the end of 2018. We’re looking forward to celebrating with our customers when we begin to open the new stores from mid October this year”, Ms Sylvester said.
The project follows the successful 2015 opening of the Hunter-Valley inspired outdoor dining and entertainment precinct, The Rooftop, which saw nine new restaurants and an Event Cinemas complex open at Westfield Kotara.
Read the full article at: https://www.theherald.com.au
Article Author: Matthew Kelly
Newspaper: Newcastle Herald
Date: AUGUST 28 2018
