THE revamped and extended Castle Towers is expected to bring 2500 new retail and hospitality jobs to the Hills and attract top international retailers to Castle Hill.

Although the plans to increase the centre by 60,000 sq metres will make it the biggest centre in NSW and the third largest in Australia, the emphasis is on quality retailers to surpass Centrepoint and Westfield Bondi.

Developers QIC (The Queensland Investment Corporation) said that it is undertaking “more detailed planning and design” to its plans which were given DA approval by Hills Shire Council in February 2011.

media_camera What the intersection of Showground Rd and Kentwell Ave currently looks like.

Under the council’s approval, work must start by February 2016.

Last week QIC real estate managing director Steven Leigh told the Times the proposed redevelopment will “deliver an elevated offer for customers and transform the centre into one of Australia’s most prominent retail, entertainment and leisure destinations”.

“As important community landmarks, the old school precinct and former police station will be respected and actively reused,” he said.

Mr Leigh said the historic Castle Hill Public School building, dating from 1880, and the former police station building on the corner of Old Northern Rd and Showground Rd will be “fully refurbished and renovated”.

media_camera The Piazza at Castle Towers Shopping centre.

The buildings will be at the heart of an entertainment and leisure precinct.

“While the final uses have not yet been determined, the possibilities of a restaurant, gallery or cafe are being considered as part of a detailed planning and design process,” he said.

The extension will see QIC expand its centre to take in the old Castle Hill Public School site, which is bordered by Showground Rd, Kentwell Ave and Pennant St and will sit next to the Castle Hill Library.

The expansion will take Castle Towers to a total floor space of 173,683 sq m.

media_camera An artist's impression of the planned Castle Towers expansion, viewing the historic Castle Hill Public School building from Old Northern Rd.

At the moment, the centre is home to David Jones, Myer, Target, Kmart, Coles and Event Cinemas plus more than 300 specialty stores which already includes several designer brands.

Overseas names in the city include Spain’s, Zara and Top Shop from the UK.

Swedish fashion store H & M is rumoured to be looking at potential Australia sites.

Mr Leigh said “the expansion would include “a number of new majors, mini-majors and speciality retail

media_camera The former Castle Hill Public School site as it appears today, viewed from Old Northern Rd.

”.

He said “significant improvements” to the cinema, entertainment and leisure precinct would deliver “customers with an outstanding retail, entertainment and leisure experience” .

There would also be civic facilities and public space,” fulfilling the growing retail needs of the Hills district without residents having to travel to other major centres.”

Plans also show that changes will be made to the existing fascade and rooftop of the existing Castle Towers building.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST SHOPPING CENTRES

1. Chadstone Shopping Centre, VIC — 215,000 sqm

2. Westfield Fountain Gate, VIC — 174,635 sqm

3. Castle Towers, NSW — 173,683sqm (when complete)

4. Parramatta Westfield, NSW — 168,902 sqm (by 2016)

5. Highpoint Shopping Centre, VIC — 156,000 sqm

WORLD’S BIGGEST SHOPPING CENTRES

1. New South China Mall, China — 659,612 sqm

2. Golden Resources Mall, China — 557,419sqm

3. SM Megamall, Philippines — 506,435 sqm

4. SM City North EDSA, Philippines — 482,878 sqm

5. 1 Utama, Malaysia — 465,000 sqm

40. Castle Towers