New looking Castletown a step ahead
CONSTRUCTION has started on Castletown shopping centre’s $34m redevelopment.
The Hyde Park centre will trade through the work, which will deliver a new Coles supermarket and specialty retailers, new entry statement, upgraded carparking, improved facilities and a revitalised Playtown.
The Wesfarmers-operated Target department store, originally part of the redevelopment plans, closed in January after the parties reached agreement not to renew the lease.
Wesfarmers has since revealed it will close its last remaining Target store in the city at Willows shopping centre in June.
Up to 150 jobs will be generated throughout the 11
month construction program and an estimated 100 new jobs will be created within Castletown once works are complete.
Mcconaghy Properties chief executive Gary Mcconaghy said it was the fourth major investment to be undertaken at Castletown since the group purchased the centre in 1989.
“This is a significant milestone for our close-knit community of retailers and customers,” Mr Mcconaghy said. “The arrival of Coles, together with a refreshed format, new retailers and improved facilities, will position Castletown as the local shopping centre of choice for the everyday needs of our local community.
“We’re also delivering on our commitment to contribute to economic growth, investment and job creation and our leasing team is actively in the market speaking with leading local and national brands about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
Mr Mcconaghy said Castletown would continue to trade as normal through the work and all car parks would remain open.
He said the redevelopment included a centre-wide facelift and improved access that would ensure all retailers benefited from a vibrant new design aesthetic.
Centre manager Kathy Langsford said the entry to the Woolcock Street basement car park, near Big W, had been temporarily changed to facilitate construction and contractor access, and directional signage had been placed throughout the car parks to minimise disruption to customers.