MEDIA RELEASE - New playground makes a splash as Cronulla Mall upgrade moves closer to completion
A major overhaul of the Sutherland Shire’s premier retail and entertainment strip took a significant step closer to completion recently, with stage two of the upgrade to Cronulla Mall officially opened to the public yesterday.
Families flocked to test out the newly completed playground which forms the focal point of the works completed at the southern end of the mall, with the ‘whale’s head’ design complementing the already completed ‘whale’s tail’ playground delivered as part of stage one of the project.
Part of a $12.4 million project, the latest suite of completed works deliver on Council’s vision to enhance the pedestrian mall between Purley Place and Cronulla Mall’s Town Square amphitheatre. Further enhancements delivered as part of the first two stages of the upgrade include upgraded lighting for increased safety, new paving, improved seating, additional trees to provide shade and greenery, all contributing to a more inviting and enjoyable environment.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Carol Provan were on hand to formally unveil the exciting new playground facilities along with other works completed as part of the second stage of the upgrade, with Mayor Pesce saying he was delighted to formally open the latest stage of the project, noting how well received the initial upgrade had already proven with the community.
“Cronulla Mall has been an iconic shopping, dining and entertainment destination for generations of local residents and visitors to the Sutherland Shire, and I’m incredibly proud of the work Council has done to ensure the mall continues to be a drawcard for generations to come,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Council has worked hard to design and deliver a revitalized mall that will not only attract more visitors but also encourage them to stay longer, delivering a win for local businesses.
“These works have been carefully staged to deliver much needed upgrades with as minimal disruption to retail trade as possible, which is why we are delighted to welcome shoppers back to Cronulla Mall in time to accommodate increased foot traffic as the weather warms up for spring and well ahead of the summer peak in retail trade.
“While there are some final tweaks that need to be completed to ensure this latest section of the upgrade is looking its best, my fellow Councillors and I could not be prouder of the way these works have taken shape and the way the new look Cronulla Mall has been so readily embraced by shoppers and our business community alike.
Deputy Mayor Provan said she was delighted to be part of the latest upgrade to the Cronulla Mall, noting she had played a prominent role in launching the last major update to the retail strip.
“Cronulla Mall has always played a special place for local residents as the epicentre of retail trade here in the Sutherland Shire,” Deputy Mayor Provan said.
“I remember well opening the last major upgrade to this shopping strip as Mayor way back in 1988, and I am so pleased to see these latest upgrades will continue to ensure it remains a vital centre for our community for many years yet to come.
“With the completion of the Purley Place section, Cronulla Mall continues to take shape, and like everyone else in the Sutherland Shire I can’t wait to see how this amazing precinct looks once it is completed.”
For more information and updates on the Cronulla Plaza revitalisation project, please visit Featured Projects