APP: Westfield Marion Expansion | $350m

[cometthecat]

So OK we have all these new stores opening and closing but what about this actual expansion? Does anyone have any new news on it? Last time I was at Marion, I saw some of the second story sectioned off.

[Ben]

Amendments were submitted and approved in May.

Combined BA/DA Applications
Description: Variation to Development Application No: 100/2007/48 which provided for the "Alterations and additions to Westfield Marion Shopping Centre including approximately 18,275 square metres of additionalretail floor space, and additional decked car-parking to the north ofthe centre and adjacent to Diagonal Road and removal of threesignificant trees." incorporating reconfiguration of the additionsand alterations, new free-standing "bowland", new free-standing carwash adjacent Diagonal Road and the staging of the developmentinto two stages.
Submitted: 17/05/2012

[pushbutton]

That is quite interesting, and makes it sound like they want to get started on stage 1 soon.

I wonder what will be going where the current Bowland is?

[crawf]

The third level should be expanded to include a new Bowland, bigger Intencity and maybe even a restaurant or bar. No idea if this is possible or not.

[Nort]

The third level should be expanded to include a new Bowland, bigger Intencity and maybe even a restaurant or bar. No idea if this is possible or not.

Don't know if it's possible but definitely doesn't seem on the cards in any way.

As for the current Bowland site, last I heard it was going to become an extension of the mall proper.

[ChillyPhilly]

Bowland isn't exactly huge. A bunch of small shops, perhaps? Little boutique stores or something?

The third level should be expanded to include a new Bowland, bigger Intencity and maybe even a restaurant or bar. No idea if this is possible or not.

But this, though. I'd love to see this happen. In that gap between Intencity and and the cinema, it's a little bit dead. Could do with a little shot in the arm.

[Ben]

Some recent developments:

Adelaide's first stand alone Lonsdale london store is soon to open

New Mazzechellis concept store has opened - this looks great similar to Tiffany store at Chadstone.

Carbtree & Evelyn has opened

Lovisa has now opened

Breadtop has now opened

Lorna Jane has opened a new larger store

[dsriggs]

I thought retail was dead

[Ben]

Unfortunatly for these stores to open a lot have had to go broke. e.g. Game, Perfume Connection, Pets Paradise.

Here is a pic from Marion facebook of the new Mazzuchellis store

[crawf]

Decent looking shopfront.

Anyone know when JB Hifi is moving out the new 'upmarket section' of Marion?

[Ben]

I think Zara will be moving there but not until the new mall is open.

[JamesXander]

I thought retail was dead

Westfield revenues down, profits up. She's about to pop!

[Pants]

Big news kids...

A $350 million expansion of Westfield Marion is likely to start next year.

The upgrade will add about 65 shops across two levels of malls parallel to the existing ones.

A strip of 10 restaurants and cafes will face Diagonal Rd and more than 1000 extra parking spaces will be added in decks of up to three levels.

Bowland would move into a new, stand-alone building.

The plans have been approved by Marion Council's development assessment panel.

The expansion will be in two stages, the first being the ground floor additions and about 650 carparks.

Westfield spokeswoman Julia Clarke said work was expected start in late 2013, with Stage 1 taking about a year to complete.

The second stage would include the new upper-level mall, expanded food court and about 400 carparks.

The centre's last overhaul was in 1997.

A major expansion was first approved in 2007 but stalled because of the global financial crisis.

The latest plans are a variation of that approval, slightly raising the increase in floor space to more than 19,200sqm, adding the Diagonal Rd dining strip and changing the carparking layout.

In February, the Development Assessment Commission approved boom gates and ticketing machines for the Oaklands Park centre, paving the way for Westfield to charge for parking.

Asked when paid parking would begin, Ms Clarke said: "Paid parking would not typically be introduced outside the project's implementation."

For more news on the south-west, pick up a copy of the Guardian Messenger, read our digital edition online, or become a fan of our Facebook page.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/m-westfield-marion-shopping-centre-upgrade-to-start-soon/story-e6frea83-1226492844096

[Ben]

Positve news... but I wouldn't be saying late 2013 is "soon" as the headline pertrays. Good news that it's alive nevertheless.

I was at the centre today and 3 food court tenancies are being renovated so i actually thought this was dead when I saw that.

[[Shuz]]

I really like the idea of the 10 shops/restuarants along Diagonal Road. I'm no fan of big suburban shopping malls that suck the life out of traditional main/high streets, but I'm supportive of Westfield Marion's attempt to bring some life into one!