Scentre Group has sought a four-year extension to start the $792 million Westfield Booragoon redevelopment, citing “extenuating circumstances”.
Scentre Group has sought a time extension to start the $792 million Westfield Booragoon redevelopment, citing “extenuating circumstances”.
The Western Australian Planning Commission approved Scentre Group’s plan to redevelop the shopping centre in 2023 with a condition that substantial commencement be done by February 25.
With the deadline approaching, the developer proposed to extend the substantial commencement deadline by four years.
The approved redevelopment plan includes partial demolition of the existing shopping centre and City of Melville library to accommodate a 42,081 square metre expansion of the centre.
Scentre Group’s application, prepared by Urbis, to amend the approval was submitted to the state government’s Part 17 pathway in October.
“Builders and key trades continue to confront labour shortages and supply chain issues which is generating significant cost and delivery uncertainty,” the application reads.
“These conditions are not unique to Western Australia, or even to Australia more broadly.
“Due to these extenuating circumstances the Proponent is unable to achieve substantial commencement within the currently specified period.
“As a result of these changing market conditions Scentre Group have undertaken several extensive project reviews to test and refine the appropriate composition and staging of the proposed redevelopment.”
Previously known as Garden City Booragoon, the shopping centre on Riseley Street was rebranded as Westfield when Scentre Group acquired half-ownership in the precinct from AMP Capital in 2019.
The proposed Westfield Booragoon shopping centre expansion. Image: Scentre Group via Part 17 documents
Dexus replaced AMP as the investment fund entity that owned the remaining 50 per cent share in 2021.
Talks to redevelop the shopping centre had been ongoing for several years, with AMP announcing plans to upgrade the asset since 2012.
In 2021, Scentre Group lodged its application with the State Development Assessment Unit.
The proposal initially had a $500 million price tag, but the estimated cost escalated by nearly $300 million after Scentre Group updated its designs in late 2022.
The WAPC approved the updated $792 million plan in early 2023, backing Scentre Group’s plan to create 114,620sqm of net lettable area, shop tenancies ranging from two to three storeys, restaurants and civic space.
Once completed, the upgraded Westfield Booragoon would topple Westfield Carousel, with 109,753 square metres in gross lettable area, as the state’s largest shopping centre.
