Our 50 Year Story

It's been 50 years since Westfield Parramatta first opened its doors, a significant milestone that marks decades of growth, transformation, and unforgettable moments.

From the opening of new stores, to the excitement of community events and live celebrity performances, we invite you to relive these events through this timeline.

1970s

1971 - The Vision Begins

Planning commenced for a transformative retail destination in Parramatta, with early designs incorporating the iconic Grace Bros store. This marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in the city's commercial landscape.

1974 – Development Approved

Parramatta City Council gave the green light to the development, paving the way for expanded retail offerings and the addition of a tavern, setting the stage for a vibrant community hub.

May 1975 - Stage One Opens

A major milestone was reached with the launch of Stage One of the centre’s ambitious three stage development. Featuring three major department stores and 44 specialty retailers, this opening laid the foundation for a vibrant retail and lifestyle destination.

September 1975 - Stage Two Expansion

Stage Two introduced the iconic Grace Bros and Waltons department stores, along with 60 specialty retailers. This significant expansion elevated the centre to national prominence. Westfield Shoppingtown Parramatta, as it was then known, became the largest shopping centre in Australia at the time.

Late 1975 - Stage Three Completion

Stage Three officially launched, introducing exciting new experiences to Westfield Parramatta. With the arrival of Village Cinemas and the Westower Tavern, the centre transformed into a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place. It marked the beginning of Westfield as a true community hub.

1980s

1986 - Big Plans Approved

Exciting changes were on the horizon. Approval was granted to expand Westfield Parramatta with over 300 specialty stores and a brand new 4 theatre cinema complex. A major refurbishment followed, upgrading the Village Cinemas and welcoming hundreds of new retailers, transforming the centre into a true shopping powerhouse.

1987 - Farewell Waltons, Hello Venture

A retail shift took place as the Waltons department store closed its doors. Soon after, Venture moved in, continuing to offer customers a wide range of department store favourites.

1988 - Level 4 Gets a Makeover

Level 4 was reimagined with a fresh mix of specialty stores, enhancing the shopping experience and bringing even more variety to the centre.

1989 - Connecting the Community

Plans were approved to build an underground pedestrian underpass linking Westfield Parramatta directly to the railway station. This exciting development made visiting the centre easier than ever, improving access and convenience for shoppers and commuters alike.

1990s

1992 - Expanding Horizons & Unearthing History

Westfield Parramatta grew once again, acquiring properties north of Aird Street and blending parts of the original Shoppingtown into a bold new development. During construction, a significant archaeological excavation took place covering 3,240 m² of the site. It became one of Parramatta’s largest digs, uncovering layers of local history beneath the future of retail.

1993 - Toys “R” Us Brings the Fun

A major retail moment arrived when American toy giant Toys “R” Us opened its impressive two-storey flagship store at Westfield Parramatta. The beloved toy brand became a standout attraction, delighting families and adding a playful new energy to the centre.

1995 - 1996 - Bigger, Bolder, Record-Breaking

Westfield Parramatta underwent a major transformation, expanding its retail space to an incredible 127,000m². This milestone moment restored its title as the largest shopping centre in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, making it a true retail icon at the time.

1995 - 1996 - Expanding Westfield & Bridging the City

Westfield Parramatta took a bold step forward with the construction of two new blocks in the heart of the Parramatta CBD. To seamlessly connect the new development with the existing centre, a retail air bridge was built across Marsden and Aird Streets, a striking architectural feature still admired today.

During this time, David Jones relocated from Church Street to join Grace Bros (later rebranded as Myer), strengthening the centre’s department store offering.

This landmark redevelopment was officially opened by NSW Premier Bob Carr in November 1995, marking a proud moment in Westfield Parramatta’s history.

2000s

2000 - 25 Years of Memories & Olympic Magic

Westfield Parramatta celebrated its 25th anniversary with a spectacular community event, featuring special appearances by Cathy Freeman, Claudia Schiffer, and Jerry Hall, a true celebration of fashion, sport, and culture.

As a proud sponsor of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the centre joined in the festivities with unforgettable moments, including the Olympic Torch passing along Argyle Street and a visit from the beloved Olympic mascots Milly, Olly, and Syd delighting shoppers of all ages.

2002 - A Christmas First for NSW

Westfield Parramatta made holiday history by hosting NSW’s first-ever non-stop Christmas shopping event. From 9am on December 23rd to 5:30pm on Christmas Eve, the centre stayed open continuously, offering festive giveaways, entertainment, and plenty of time for shoppers to find the perfect gifts.

2003 - Plans for a Cinematic Future

Exciting expansion plans were proposed to introduce a new cinema complex opposite the $100 million Parramatta Transport Exchange. The vision included a striking skybridge over Church Street, connecting the new cinemas directly to the main centre, enhancing convenience and entertainment for all visitors.

2005 - 2006 - Lights, Dining, Action!

Westfield Parramatta expanded once again, unveiling a vibrant new cinema and dining precinct. Located at the corner of Church and Argyle Streets, the multi-storey complex was seamlessly connected to the main Centre via a pedestrian air bridge and underground walkway.

Greater Union opened an impressive 11 screen cinema, featuring 3 luxurious Gold Class theatres, 1 GMAX theatre, and 7 standard cinemas, offering something for every moviegoer.

This development elevated the centre’s entertainment and dining experience to new heights.

2006 - Dining, Retail & Seamless Connections

Westfield Parramatta continued to evolve with the launch of a vibrant street level dining strip, offering direct access to the cinema precinct. Below ground, a new retail mall connected Level 1 of the centre to the Parramatta railway station and Transport Interchange, making visits even more convenient.

The expansion also extended the food court and introduced new cafés, takeaway outlets, a fresh food market, and a mini IGA Express. Around 70 new specialty stores were added, along with nearly 200 extra parking spaces.

Following this development, the centre’s retail footprint grew to approximately 137,407m², with nearly 500 stores, solidifying its place as a retail leader in the region.

2010s

2010 - 2014 - A Stage for Stars & Unforgettable Moments

Westfield Parramatta has long been more than just a shopping destination, it’s a stage for world-class events and celebrity appearances. Over the years, the centre has welcomed global icons including Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Zac Efron, and wrestling legend Booker T, drawing crowds and creating unforgettable memories.

Music lovers were treated to live performances by international stars like Jason Derulo and Ricky Martin, alongside beloved Australian artists such as Jessica Mauboy. Sporting heroes from the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers also made special appearances, adding to the centre’s rich legacy of entertainment and community connection.

2010 - Greater Union Rebranded as Event Cinema

Greater Union officially rebranded as Event Cinemas, continuing its legacy of delivering premium movie experiences with a fresh new identity.

2015 - 2019 - Global Fashion Arrives

Westfield Parramatta entered a new era of style and growth with the arrival of leading international retailers including Uniqlo, Zara, and H&M. These iconic brands elevated the centre’s fashion offering, attracting a diverse and fashion-conscious customer, reinforcing its reputation as a premier shopping destination.

2020s

2021 - 2022 - A Fresh New Chapter

Construction began in 2021 on Westfield Parramatta’s vibrant new fresh food precinct. By December 2022, the space was unveiled, featuring supermarkets and specialty retailers offering fresh produce and everyday essentials in a modern, welcoming environment.

The upgrade also introduced a new car park entry and improved vertical transport, making access to the precinct easier and more direct for shoppers.

Ongoing Upgrades & Enhancements – Designed for the Future

Across decades of transformation, Westfield Parramatta has continually evolved to meet the needs of its community. From refreshed interiors and upgraded amenities to thoughtfully curated retail and dining spaces, every enhancement reflects a commitment to creating exceptional experiences.
These ongoing improvements ensure the centre remains a vibrant, welcoming destination where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together seamlessly for generations to come.

The Journey Continues - Creating Moments That Matter

Westfield Parramatta continues to evolve as a vibrant hub for entertainment and community connection.

2023: Jessica Mauboy wowed audiences with a live performance.

2024: Cinderella enchanted families in a magical fairytale experience.

2025: Ironman brought superhero excitement to the centre.

2025: Australian Idol returned, reviving the energy of its iconic 2006 visit and captivating a new generation.

2025: Guy Sebastian took the stage, reinforcing our commitment to unforgettable live events.

Celebrating 50 Years of Westfield Parramatta

Over the past 50 years, Westfield Parramatta has continually transformed to meet the evolving needs of its community, growing from a local retail hub into a dynamic destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. From humble beginnings in 1975 to a 5-level centre with over 420 stores today. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Cheers to 50!