Westpoint Blacktown

Westpoint Blacktown is a large shopping centre situated in Blacktown, Western Sydney, New South Wales, owned by Queensland Investment Corporation.[1] It was first opened in 1973, and then renovated and expanded in 2006, making it one of the biggest shopping centres in Western Sydney.[2] The centre serves as a major retail hub for the region.

Westpoint Blacktown
Front of Westpoint Blacktown
LocationBlacktown, New South Wales, Australia
Opening date1973 (1973)
ManagementQueensland Investment Corporation
OwnerQueensland Investment Corporation
No. of stores and services262
No. of anchor tenants7
No. of floors4 (6 levels to park)
Public transit access Blacktown
Websitewww.westpoint.com.au

History

Westpoint Blacktown first opened in 1973, surrounded by, starting clockwise from north, Kildare Road, Patrick Street, Alpha Street and Balmoral Street.[2]

Expansion

The eastern expansion of the mall commenced in May 2003 and completed in April 2006. Patrick Street was closed, and Patrick Mall and Max Webber library on the eastern side of Patrick Street were closed and rebuilt as the expansion of the mall.[3]

The refurbishment was to be undertaken by Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd (BHPL). However BHPL and QIC became embroiled in legal proceedings regarding the payment of outstanding progress payments which BHPL claimed were owing to it. This court proceeding delayed construction. In October 2006, QIC terminated the contract with BHPL.[4]

Due to the closure of Myer which made up the most floor area at Westpoint, the east wing has undergone a multi-million dollar redevelopment initiative to attract more costumers. Part of this redevelopment include: relocating JB-Hi-Fi and Cotton-On, reopening Harris Scarfe, the opening of a Wotso Workspace, relocation of the existing Club Lime Gym (formerly Vibe health club), opening a variety of new specialty stores and remodeling the flooring and ceiling.

Myer closure

In February 2022, Myer announced its plan to close its department store in Westpoint Blacktown on 3 April of the same year. The company stated the move as a desire to follow its 'Customer First Plan', to downsize and shift more sales online. Myer cited as an example, the decision to close Myer Knox, in Melbourne's east in July 2021.[5][6] The Myer store was replaced by a relocated JB Hi-fi and Harris Scarfe on level 2, Cotton On and UNIQLO on level 3, a Club Lime Gym and Wotso Workspace on Level 4.

Stores and features

The centre incorporates several key retail outlets: including department stores Big W, Kmart (which is located outside of the centre) and Target as well as supermarket chains Woolworths and Aldi (replaced Franklins). The refurbishment incorporated an entertainment precinct, which incorporates a Hoyts 10 screen cinema, Zone Bowling alley and a video arcade. Level 4 is primarily made of restaurants and dining options. Major brands which have store here include: JB-Hi-Fi, Foot-Locker, JD Sports, Cotton-On, Adidas Originals, Rebel, TK MaxX, etc. In December 2019 Taco Bell opened in Westpoint Blacktown.

Car park and transport

The centre incorporates a large multi-level car park. In 2018, half of the car park remained closed until further notice due to issues with structural integrity. Repair work commenced in early 2019 was completed in October 2019 in time for the 2019 Christmas period. There is a taxi rank on level four. The basement level of the mall is an underground bus station, opened in 2006 as part of the refurbishment and expansion of Westpoint, providing a direct connection by bus services to surrounding suburbs. The main entrance on Level 3 is within short walking distance to Blacktown railway station and nearby alternate taxi ranks.

  • Entrance to the bus terminal
    Entrance to the bus terminal
  • Bus terminal waiting area
    Bus terminal waiting area
  • Signage leading to bus terminal
    Signage leading to bus terminal

References
  1. Westpoint, QIC
  2. "BLACKTOWN CBD: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE" (PDF). Blacktown City Council. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
  3. "Project : WESTPOINT SHOPPING CENTRE". Cordell. Archived from the original on 7 October 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
  4. "QIC shuts up shop on Baulderstone". BNET. The Australian Financial Review. 11 November 2006. Archived from the original on 14 March 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2007.
  5. "Myer to shut down Blacktown store". Business News Australia. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  6. "'Heartbreaking': Myer store in Melbourne's east officially closes after 44 years". 7NEWS. 2 August 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
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