Retail Property of the Year: Westfield Chermside

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Westfield Chermside’s new outdoor entertainment and leisure precinct is an exemplar of food-based retail in a sub-tropical setting.

Paul Hardyman View Profile

Describing the centre – the largest in Queensland, Paul explained, “Westfield Chermside’s new outdoor entertainment and leisure precinct is an exemplar of food-based retail in a sub-tropical setting. It harnesses Brisbane’s mild year-round climate and embraces our love of relaxed contemporary outdoor dining.

“It typifies the notion of buildings that breathe.”

Paul added, “It offers a range of experiences to people of all walks of life by offering spaces focused on activation, gathering and exploring.

“The winding spaces created between the built structures give a feeling of human scale, discovery and interest that sets the Chermside restaurant and Laneway precinct apart from its competitors.”

The judges agreed, commenting, “The expansion of the Westfield Chermside centre has brought a new dynamic to the retail offering of this long-established centre.”

They said that the combination of internal and external spaces, with numerous features such as play areas for children and the central gathering space named ‘The Urchin’ all contribute to a true sense of place that provides a destinational experience for the shoppers.

Reflecting on the achievements, Paul said, “We were up against some great projects, so we were thrilled and somewhat surprised to win.”

Westfield Chermside has also been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival and Awards in the Shopping Centre Category. It is one of 8 retail projects selected globally. Winners will be announced 30 November 2018.