History
The centre was built by Woolworths and was called Kotara Fair when it first opened on 6 October 1965. The centre was anchored by a Woolworths supermarket and a Big W department store. In addition to this, there were 27 specialty stores. The centre was purchased by David Jones in 1971 and was subsequently redeveloped. The expansion was completed in October 1974 when it was renamed Garden City and added David Jones and Norman Ross department stores as well a further 24 specialty stores. Further redevelopment in 1977 occurred when Norman Ross closed and 13 specialty stores were added.
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 amount 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.
In 1995 Toys "R" Us opened and was followed in 1998 by the addition of 14 specialty stores.
In 2003 following the purchase of Garden City by Westfield, 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 including a new Target discount department store, Dreamy Donuts, JB Hi-Fi, The Reject Shop, Borders, Jay-Jays, Gloria Jean's, General Pants co, Just Jeans, Australia Post office, Pumpkin Patch, Supré, McDonald's, newsagencies, Oporto, Fitness First Gym, Wild Surf co, Priceline, Toys "R" Us, Coles, Woolworths, K-Mart and David Jones. 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.
In 2010 the centre had a development application approved 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. The development is set for completion in late 2012.
Read more about this topic: Westfield Kotara
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