By Tate Papworth
Watergardens Town Centre will undergo a radical $50 million transformation.
Centre manager Joe Galea said the centre’s new food marketplace had been been inspired by – and would celebrate – the local community.
“Work is now underway to create a bustling new modern food marketplace that celebrates the traditions of our community in addition to delivering a major new food retailer,” he said.
The project will deliver 5000 square metres of transformed retail space and will include a new playground and a community space for activations and pop-ups. Just under 400 jobs are tipped be created during the construction stage and more than 400 new jobs are expected to be delivered once the project is complete.
Mr Galea said the revamp would celebrate “the centrality of food to our community” and would include a combination of fresh produce, speciality providores, multicultural street food vendors and a new Aldi supermarket.
“The significant new food marketplace will celebrate generations and mirror the rich diversity of our community through the power of food,” he said.
Mr Galea said the project was adopting a community first approach – and that there was more to come.
“As a team, we have always held an ambitious, long-term view about the future of Watergardens,” he said.
“The food marketplace builds on a number of initiatives currently underway, which further adds to its mix of uses and includes a new Officeworks, advanced preparation for a childcare centre and planning for serviced apartments that are proposed to be situated along Kings Road.
“After considered planning, we are now equipped with the right plan to deliver our vision that pays tribute to the tradition and vitality of our community.”
Mr Galea said the construction plan had been created to minimise any impact the project had on the community and retailers.
Watergardens will remain open throughout construction.
