The Woodhead designed Stockland Merrylands took another step in its $400 million development when it unveiled another multi-level extension of the centre on Thursday.
Stage 3 of the redevelopment opened on Thursday, 31 March 2011, adding a brand new Franklins supermarket, JB Hi Fi, brand new amenities, new mall entrance off McFarlane Street and approximately 35 specialty shops, increasing the number of retail stores to over 130.
Stockland Merrylands centre manager Karina Moore said Thursday was significant in that the new entrance would create a physical link with the rest of Merrylands shops.
“Stage 3 is really the heart of the new centre,” she said.
“The new cross-mall and McFarlane St entrance have been designed to be a major entrance and enable easy access from the centre through to Neil St, McFarlane St and the rest of the Merrylands CBD.
“I think the community will be impressed with the access and convenience that this new piece of the centre will provide.”
The Stockland Merrylands development is a 65,000m², two level retail redevelopment over several stages which will ultimately replace the existing 25,000m² shopping centre with a new retail complex. The development is designed to meet the needs of today’s discerning consumers. This development will feature a substantial engagement with the local town centre by maximising external retail opportunities thus providing a catalyst for its redevelopment. The extent of this development will be the first 2 stages of the ultimate complete centre redevelopment and will address not only the current deficiencies but bring a whole new generation of retailing to Merrylands in such a way that the existing customer base is not alienated.
The architectural design philosophy for the development will incorporate a contemporary language encompassing clean crisp lines with reference to a distinctive, modern Australian ambience in terms of an emphasis on light and shade through the extensive use of glass and wide angular roof overhangs and louvred edges. Materials and finishes will exude a warm, contemporary ambience.
