Residents in the area are expressing concerns and opposition to a proposed redevelopment plan for the Westfield Eastgardens shopping centre, which is being spearheaded by the operator Scentre Group. They feel that the proposed changes would not benefit the community and would instead lead to a betrayal of the public’s trust in local governments working together for their benefit. The operator envisions turning the shopping mall into a “Living Centre” that serves the daily needs of the community. However, residents and community groups are worried about the impact this redevelopment would have on local businesses and traffic in the area.
Property developer Harry Triguboff, who has built the nearby Pagewood Green residential development, supports the expansion of Westfield Eastgardens. He believes that having a supermarket like Woolworths or Coles in the retail precinct would benefit not only the supermarket itself, but also the other shops in the area. Triguboff sees the collaboration between Pagewood Green and the proposed Westfield Eastgardens redevelopment as a way to serve the growing population in the area and provide essential services to the community. He emphasizes that the retail plaza in his Pagewood Centro development will cater to residents in both developments as well as patrons at Westfield Eastgardens.
Scentre Group, which manages Westfield Eastgardens, has a long-term vision for the shopping centre to meet the evolving needs of customers. The company aims to create places and experiences that attract more people and keep them engaged for longer periods of time. However, community group No Overdevelopment Pagewood Eastgardens (NOPE) is concerned about the size and scale of the proposed redevelopment and its potential impact on nearby shopping districts. They worry that an expanded Westfield would draw customers away from local businesses, leading to a decrease in foot traffic and vitality in the area.
NOPE convener Maria Poulos emphasizes the importance of preserving local shopping strips and avoiding disruptions to the surrounding community. While recognizing the need for a makeover at Eastgardens, she believes that a major expansion is not necessary and could have negative consequences for the area. Poulos is particularly concerned about the potential traffic congestion that could result from the bulk and scale of the proposed development, as well as its impact on the visual aesthetics of the neighborhood. Residents and local business owners are united in their opposition to the redevelopment plan and are calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of the community.
In response to the concerns raised by residents and community groups, Scentre Group and other stakeholders involved in the proposed Westfield Eastgardens redevelopment may need to reconsider their plans and engage in meaningful dialogue with the local community. Collaboration and consultation with residents, businesses, and local authorities could help address key issues and find solutions that benefit all parties involved. Balancing the commercial interests of the shopping centre operator with the needs and preferences of the community will be essential in creating a sustainable and inclusive environment. Ultimately, finding common ground and working together towards a shared vision for the future of Westfield Eastgardens will be crucial in ensuring a positive outcome for everyone.
