Westfield launches stage two CBD plans

SYDNEY: A $600 million redevelopment of Westfield's key inner city site will see the creation of 300 retail spaces, proposed plans show.

Stage two of the development - which involves the integration of the shopping centre giant's Centrepoint, Imperial Arcade and Skygarden properties - indicates the new six-level retail centre will have around 50 more stores than at present, bringing the overall total to 300 upon completion.

The plans, submitted to the City of Sydney Council last week, follow the council's formal approval of stage one of the development last year.

In a statement released to media, the company said that as with other recent central business development projects for the group in San Fransisco, Los Angeles and London, this redevelopment had a strong focus on "high quality designs and finishes".

Westfield said the construction management plan was designed to minimise the project's impact on the city over the estimated three-year construction period and included provision for pedestrian flows in and around the site, traffic management, and dust and noise control.

With business groups and fashion independents remaining vocal in their criticism of the project, Westfield said it was committed to continuing its program of briefings and consultations with retailers and other interested parties in addition to the council's formal advertising process.

Following a design competition launched after the first approval stage, a panel of representatives has appointed John Wardle Architects as the winning concept designers.

Both the commercial tower and the retail centre would be designed to reflect Australian excellence in environmental design with the office space to be 5-Star Green-Star and 5-Star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating and - following the recent adoption of industry standards for retail - 5-Star Green-Star for the retail centre, the statement said.

"The commercial tower will have a unique sky lobby with direct access to Castlereagh Street, complete with meeting space, cafes and restaurants and direct links to the retail space below. The lobby, which sites directly above the retail centre, also has the potential to connect directly with the 100 Market Street and Skygarden offices."
The number of carparks available at the site will also treble, rising from 65 to 188.

Westfield said more than 5000 new jobs would be created as a result of the redevelopment including 3000 in construction, 360 in retail and 1920 office workers.