Case Studies
Macquarie Mall
Design Feature
Type of Project
Local Government Initiative
State
New South Wales
Location
Urban
In 2015, as part of a series of major works to reinvigorate the heart of the Liverpool Central Business District, Liverpool City Council initiated construction on a project to revitalise Macquarie Mall. The Mall is centrally located, providing an important retail corridor that links the Westfield Shopping Mall and proposed Universities with public transport and the city centre. The project has seen Macquarie Mall transformed into an active and vibrant space, providing the community with an area to come together for food, recreation and shopping.
An active community space
In 2017, Liverpool City Council completed the final stage of construction on the revitalisation of Macquarie Mall. The project was part of the wider ‘Building Our New City’ initiative, which aimed to position Liverpool as the vibrant and dynamic capital of South West Sydney. During the planning and development process, Council consulted property owners and shopkeepers in Macquarie Mall, business groups, community members and Council staff to understand the local needs of the residents and retailers.
When evaluating the project, Liverpool City Council sought feedback from stakeholders for future planning use. While the overall feedback about the ‘new look’ and vibrancy of the Mall was positive, there were issues around the Council’s communication strategy with stakeholders during the project.
Stakeholders felt that the strategy to promote the Mall as ‘open for business’ during the construction period was fragmented and would have benefited from a more strategic approach from the initial concept stages. Subsequently, Council has employed a dedicated coordinator to engage with stakeholders and activate the Macquarie Mall precinct. However, they acknowledge that the program should have been considered earlier in the project to better support local businesses and the broader community during the upgrades.
The key components of the project consisted of:
The key components of the project consisted of:
- A new playground and water play area
- The addition of a large outdoor screen for movies, sports and entertainment including video games
- Renewed landscaping and irrigation
- Furniture upgrades
- Installation of umbrellas and outdoor dining structures
- Catenary lighting
- Granite paving
Project team
Liverpool City Council
Project cost
$12 million
Health value
The children’s playground and table tennis tables promote physical activity, while the life-size chess boards provide opportunity for community engagement and can subsequently facilitate mental well-being.
Deciduous trees provide a source of light in the winter and shade in the summer.
Shade awnings all year round, offer protection from wet weather while reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Deciduous trees provide a source of light in the winter and shade in the summer.
Shade awnings all year round, offer protection from wet weather while reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
Economic value
The revitalisation of Macquarie Mall has provided an opportunity for local businesses to capitalise on an influx of pedestrian traffic through the precinct. During the Macquarie Mall refurbishment, several restaurants and retailers applied for and received the Shopfront Façade Upgrade Program.
This Liverpool City Council grant further enhanced the streetscape, making the space more attractive for visitors and customers, promoting greater visitation to the area. In acknowledgment of the economic value generated from the revitalisation of Macquarie Mall, Liverpool City Council was awarded the 2016 ‘Excellence in Local Economic Contribution’ Local Government Award from the NSW State Government, for enhancing the economic wellbeing in the local government area.
This Liverpool City Council grant further enhanced the streetscape, making the space more attractive for visitors and customers, promoting greater visitation to the area. In acknowledgment of the economic value generated from the revitalisation of Macquarie Mall, Liverpool City Council was awarded the 2016 ‘Excellence in Local Economic Contribution’ Local Government Award from the NSW State Government, for enhancing the economic wellbeing in the local government area.
Environmental value
Liverpool City Council has included sustainable design elements in the use of recirculated filtered water for the children’s water play area and energy saving lighting. Trees and gardens have added a source of greenery and vibrancy to Macquarie Mall.
The addition of trees, umbrellas and undercover seating provides relief from the sun on hot summer days and shelter from the cold in winter.
The addition of trees, umbrellas and undercover seating provides relief from the sun on hot summer days and shelter from the cold in winter.
Social value
Features such as the outdoor screen for events, a children’s playground, as well as chess and table tennis tables provide a space for residents, visitors and community members of all ages and backgrounds. This accessible and inclusive space fosters social connectivity and encourages community members to interact and engage.
Previously, Macquarie Mall was considered unsafe during the night due to a lack of passive surveillance and lighting. The popular area now has regular patronage into the evening, as well as CCTV cameras and increased lighting, which have increased community safety in the area.
The revitalised space is not only safe, but also fun; Council hosts free movie nights on Thursdays and Saturdays, playing family friendly films suitable for all ages. Other community events have included Night Markets and the CBD Exposed Urban Youth Music Festival, featuring live music and dance from Street University performers.
Previously, Macquarie Mall was considered unsafe during the night due to a lack of passive surveillance and lighting. The popular area now has regular patronage into the evening, as well as CCTV cameras and increased lighting, which have increased community safety in the area.
The revitalised space is not only safe, but also fun; Council hosts free movie nights on Thursdays and Saturdays, playing family friendly films suitable for all ages. Other community events have included Night Markets and the CBD Exposed Urban Youth Music Festival, featuring live music and dance from Street University performers.
Use value
The revitalisation of Macquarie Mall has provided a flexible facility that can host community events. Through events such as State of Origin, Youth Week and Movie nights, Liverpool City Council seeks to further engage and entertain the community, as well as support local business.
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