Region. Extended hours could affect trading

Westfield aims to make the Sydney CBD a retail destination in a move which could affect trading in regional shopping centres, with plans to extend trading in its $1.2 billion Pitt Street Mall redevelopment by six hours a week. Westfield spokeswoman Julia Clarke said the company was extending the trading hours to help reinstate the city as a retail destination. Some 100 retail outlets are expected to reopen before Christmas as part of the first phase of the redevelopment. The move could affect trading at regional shopping centres, which has been increasing for many years at the expense of that in the Sydney CBD.

Blacktown. A long way in 50 years

From a delicatessen in Blacktown in the 1950s, Frank Lowy has gone on to create the largest shopping-centre operation in the world. At the first annual general meeting of Westfield Development Corporation, in September 1961, it had a balance sheet of 380,000 pounds. Today, the Westfield Group has net assets of $25.8 billion. Frank Lowy, 79, will chair the 50th AGM on May 27.

Parramatta. Westfield in the top 10

Westfield Parramatta recorded the second-largest lift in turnover of the top 10 shopping centres in Australia, with a rise 6.8 per cent. Westfield Chermside, in Brisbane, topped the list with an 8.5 per cent increase. Westfield Parramatta ranked 10th in the top shopping centre survey, conducted by Shopping Centre News, in the moving annual turnover table, with $697.9 million, behind Westfield Bondi Junction, $940.0 million, Warringah Mall, $782.9 million and Westfield Miranda, $699.2 million. Chadstone in Melbourne topped the table with $957.3 million.

Parramatta. EOI for two retail outlets

Expressions of interest have been called for two retail outlets, in Church Street, adjacent to Westfield Parramatta. The properties, with a site area of 348 square metres and a combined frontage of 15 metres, are currently leased at $207,000 per annum approximately. They are offered for sale in one line by Khoury & Partners.

Parramatta. EOI for two retail outlets

Expressions of interest have been called for two retail outlets, in Church Street, adjacent to Westfield Parramatta. The properties, with a site area of 348 square metres and a combined frontage of 15 metres, are currently leased at $207,000 per annum approximately. They are offered for sale in one line by Khoury & Partners.