On 30 September, Westfield Doncaster celebrated its 50th Birthday. To mark the occasion, the centre took a walk-through time showcasing memories and photos across the last five decades via a timeline installation celebrating the history of the Living Centre.
This golden anniversary for Westfield Doncaster also marked 50 years for MYER Doncaster. Celebrating the milestone, MYER showcased a ‘50 years of fashion’ installation, sharing fashion through the decades.
An architect’s early sketch of Doncaster Shoppingtown
Scentre Group Regional Manager, Centre Experience Victoria, Charlie Rimmer, said: “We are all so proud of the continued connection with our customers and community because we’ve grown with them. Westfield Doncaster continues to evolve with a new dining and entertainment precinct underway and we will be ready to welcome future generations of our customers.”
Customers, retail partners and locals shared their favourite memories of Westfield Doncaster, some of which were put into a time capsule for generations to come. Some examples include:
“I remember in the 70s as youth we would stand around of the edge of the balcony staring down on the Friday night festivities outside Myer on the stage. It was our meeting spot and Friday night outing” – Kay
“The views! On New Year’s Eve we used to come up and watch the fireworks. Wow! Looking forward to more exciting times with the new eating areas with views”
“We moved here in 1963 from reservoir when we got married. I remember the old building on the corner that was pulled down. Been shopping here since 1969. Pantomimes and lots of changes and expansions!” – Patricia
“My Father Stan Bryson helped build the eastern side of the complex. I remember as a child my mother dropping him off at work at Shopping town 1967 – 1969, I remember where Officeworks is located today there was a dairy. Happy Birthday Shoppingtown – The Brysons
“My first memory was working at Myer on a Saturday morning ‘general cosmetics’ the September it opened. My best friend worked in Coles behind the lolly counter. We would meet for a milkshake in the American style drug store” – Gayle
“I remember school holiday pantomimes outside Myer on the stage – early 90s with the children. I loved it and so did they” – Wendy
“I remember Doncaster Shoppingtown (or shoppo) from 1989/90. Having milkshakes in the old food court from McDonalds and watching famous singers visit on the stage in front of Myer. Meeting Johnny Diesel and having a photo together. Shoppingtown was a wonderful place, so many memories of my teenage years and beyond” – Sasha
Last week, Alceon Group opened its first Victorian LEGO® Certified Store at Westfield Doncaster. The new store is a custom-built, interactive retail space, including LEGO 3D brick models and mosaics inspired by local icons, situated in prime position on Level 1, it is set to provide a unique new brick experience for fans of all ages.
Earlier this year, Scentre Group, along with joint venture partners ISPT and M&G Real Estate Asia Property Fund, announced its $30 million redevelopment of Westfield Doncaster’s level two dining and entertainment precinct. Currently home to six restaurants, the space will transform into a ‘modern-village’ style rooftop dining and entertainment precinct complete with up to 14 restaurants and is due for completion in early 2020. Westfield Doncaster also received long-term masterplan approval for a $500 million redevelopment as part of the centre’s ongoing evolution.
