Work on ECQ Outlet, the third stage of Eastern Creek Quarter (ECQ), Western Sydney’s award-winning multi-asset retail destination has commenced with the project’s State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval received and Frasers Property Australia awarding two major contracts.

Hosting a Sod Turning event to mark this important milestone, ECQ Outlet will add a new dimension to the well-established Eastern Creek Quarter precinct and feature up to 100 brands in a large-scale ‘outlet retail’ concept in which brands will offer a minimum of 70% of stock for sale discounted from ordinary retail price or recommended retail price.

ECQ Outlet will be Western Sydney’s first outlet retail destination and only the fourth in NSW – compared to six in Victoria – underlining the rare opportunity and huge potential for retailers in this under-represented category in the rapidly growing region.

ECQ Outlet will comprise approximately 20,000m2 of net lettable area on about 30,000m2 of gross floor area.

An outdoor entertainment precinct connecting the three stages will become the new social heart of ECQ, with community spaces and new family amenities, complementary food and beverage offers, and entertainment uses. The food and beverage offering will integrate with and extend the ECQ Social precinct to cater to customers of all ages.

Joanna Russell, General Manager – Retail Development, Frasers Property Australia said ECQ Outlet will provide another point of difference to reinforce ECQ’s position as Western Sydney’s most comprehensive, exciting, and unique retail experience.

“This next stage will complement the ECQ precinct with an outlet retail concept unique to the region while delivering new high-quality outdoor entertainment spaces to create a vibrant community destination,” said Russell.

“ECQ Outlet will be co-located with the neighbourhood shopping centre and large format offering, ECQ XL. The precinct is strategically located in the heart of Western Sydney flanked by the M7 and Great Western Highway, making it easily accessible to over 1.35 million2 people in the greater Western Sydney area.

“The development is set to deliver highly anticipated amenities and shopping options but will also be a significant economic boost to the community. It will generate major new employment opportunities, with approximately 500 jobs to be created during the development phase with a focus on local contractors and suppliers, and an additional 500 long-term jobs are expected to be created once ECQ Outlet opens.

“We’re excited for stage 3 to get underway. Leasing is progressing well, with strong interest from a diverse range of quality, and international brands, across categories such as athleisure, male and female apparel, and homewares. Plenty of opportunities remain in categories such as accessories and footwear and we look forward to revealing who’s coming to ECQ Outlet soon,” said Russell.

Sydney-based civil and construction contractor Moits is undertaking bulk earthworks for the project while construction company Buildcorp has been appointed as the main building contractor. It is anticipated Moits will commence onsite in May and Buildcorp will commence on-site in September 2024.

Emily Wood, Executive General Manager Development, Frasers Property Australia says ECQ Outlet will elevate the customer experience for the Western Sydney community of Eastern Creek and beyond.

“In 2024, Frasers Property Australia marks 100 years of community building in Australia. The lessons in creating belonging and connection we’ve learned over the years have shaped the vision for the integrated ECQ precinct, and the addition of ECQ Outlet will further enhance the experience of everyone who visits while delivering a valuable new asset for the community,” said Wood.

While the masterplan for ECQ Outlet was approved in April 2023, the SSDA approval is the milestone enabling construction to proceed. ECQ Outlet represents an investment of approximately $150 million in the community by Frasers Property.

Frasers Property is targeting a 5-star Green Star rating for ECQ Outlet, and the project will feature a range of innovative sustainability initiatives.

Externally, the car park design enables the provision of additional electric vehicle (EV) chargers, while on-site non-potable water 400kL rainwater tanks will service ECQ Outlet’s amenities and irrigation needs.

Designed by architects i2C and Hames Sharley, ECQ Outlet will provide an additional circa 1,100 car spaces.

Based on the current program, practical completion, and the launch of ECQ Outlet are targeted for Q1 of 2026.