Stockland sets new standard for Hunter region retail with latest stage of Green Hills redevelopment

Stockland today unveiled the most significant milestone yet for its $414 million redevelopment of Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre in the Lower Hunter, opening nearly 16,000 square metres of new retail including a major Target store, 75 specialties and the first stage of an expansive entertainment and dining precinct.

To officially open the latest stage, John Schroder, Stockland Group Executive and CEO of Commercial Property was today joined by Meryl Swanson, MP, Federal Member for Paterson, Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland, Mayor Loretta Baker, Maitland City Council and Guy Russo, Chief Executive Officer of Department Stores at Wesfarmers.

John Schroder said: “This is our largest retail redevelopment ever undertaken for the Stockland portfolio and we are pushing the boundaries with every element, bringing together the best in retail format, design and entertainment.”

“We are excited to open the doors to 75 new retailers today, only weeks ahead of Christmas as well as a new dining court, more car parking and an inclusive children’s playground.”

“Once the centre’s transformation is complete next year, Stockland Green Hills will be the premier retail, entertainment and casual dining destination for the Hunter and Newcastle regions – on par with any leading regional shopping centre in Australia.”

The Green Hills redevelopment has created over 1,500 new retail and construction jobs to date and is on track to generate more than 2,285 jobs upon completion next year, including 1,350 construction jobs, 1,250 direct full time jobs in retail, customer service and hospitality, and some 1,200 flow-on jobs for local suppliers.

Meryl Swanson MP, Federal Member for Paterson, said: “I am pleased to see this exciting development taking shape, and I congratulate Stockland on providing this boost to our local economy through new jobs and a fantastic place for us to shop, dine and relax.”

Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland, said: “I am delighted to see the Stockland Green Hills redevelopment get underway, especially because of the thousands of new construction and permanent retail jobs it will create for the Maitland community. This is one of the fastest growing areas of New South Wales, and I’m pleased to see the investment in creating a vibrant community hub that will service our increasing population.”

Maitland Mayor, Cr Loretta Baker said: “Green Hills is an exciting development for the future of Maitland. This is confirmation of the potential our city holds for business and community growth, and the opening of the next stage has come just in time for Christmas.”

Today’s third stage opening sees Stockland open 75 new retailers for shoppers including Lorna Jane, Universal Store, The Body Shop, Secrets Ssssh, Adairs, Skechers, EB Games and Build-A-Bear, among many others.

At the heart of the new retail is a 5,900 square metre Target store featuring the latest instore design and technology for customers.

The first half of the new casual dining precinct was also unveiled offering an abundance of foodie offerings including Rolld, Le Wrap, Soul Origin, Wok N Roll and Crafty Cuts.

The 2,310 square metre, 500 seat dining space includes a number of unique design features such as vertical greenery, suspended lanterns and integrated USB power points for mobile phone charging. Upon completion next year, the centre will offer approximately 40 restaurants, food outlets and cafes.

A new glass façade consisting of approximately 588 glass panels and 145 triangular overlapping sun hoods has also been revealed, set to redefine the entry way of the centre, and offer natural light for diners with the new food court concealed behind.

An 11 metre long mural is another unique feature of the new mall. Designed by local artist Ellie Hannon, the vibrant and colourful public artwork provides a modern interpretation of the Hunter River.

Ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period, Stockland has also opened 490 additional car parking spaces, a new inclusive children’s playspace and a low sensory Quiet Room for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Upon completion in mid-2018, the centre will feature the first new look David Jones department store in the Hunter, Harris Scarfe, JB Hi-Fi, around 220 tenancies and a vibrant new dining and entertainment precinct that features a new 900 seat Hoyts cinema, Chipmunks play centre, Timezone and an array of upmarket casual dining outlets.

A Year in Review

Stockland commenced the Green Hills redevelopment in January 2016. Over the past 12 months the centre has reached a number of important milestones:

• Created 1,500 new jobs for the region and is on track to generate more than 2,285 jobs, including 1,350 construction jobs, 1,250 direct full time jobs in retail, customer service and hospitality, and some 1,200 flow-on jobs for local suppliers.
• Created 21,700 square metres of additional floor space. Upon completion next year the new centre will be over 74,000 square metres.
• Opened over 100 new retailers as well as returning a number of key retailers to new premises, including Dan Murphy’s, The Reject Shop, Best&Less and MyHouse.
• Opened new premium bathrooms, a new parents room and a quiet room facility for people with ASD.
• Unveiled a new children’s playground designed for inclusive play for children of all abilities and designed in collaboration with the Touched by Olivia foundation.
• Added an additional 1,215 car parking spaces. 

For up to date centre and development information please visit: www.facebook.com/StocklandGreenHills and www.stockland.com.au/greenhills