Westfield Kotara

Westfield Kotara is a shopping centre located in the suburb of Kotara in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It was opened in 1965 as Kotara Fair. In 2003 the shopping centre was purchased by the Westfield Group.
The centre's major tenants include Coles, Target, Kmart, Woolworths and a David Jones. It is often locally referred to as Garden City, reflecting its former title.
== History ==
The centre was developed by Woolworths and was called Kotara Fair when it first opened on 6 October 1965. It was anchored by a Woolworths supermarket and a Big W department store, and there were 27 speciality stores. Kotara Fair was purchased by David Jones in 1971 and was subsequently redeveloped. The expansion was completed in October 1974 and the centre was renamed Garden City. As part of the redevelopment, David Jones and Norman Ross department stores, as well a further 24 speciality stores, were added. Further redevelopment occurred in 1977 when Norman Ross closed, and another 13 speciality stores were added.
In 1980 Garden City was purchased by AMP and in 1988 another expansion created the largest shopping centre in the Hunter Region. The expansion added a Super Kmart and Best & Less as well as bringing the total number of retailers to 120.
On 28 December 1989, shortly after completion of another expansion program, the centre suffered significant damage during the Newcastle earthquake. Most affected were the upper levels of the car park adjacent to Northcott Drive and the Super Kmart. Despite the damage, repairs were effected quickly.
In 1995 Toys "R" Us opened and was followed in 1998 by the addition of 14 speciality stores.
In 2003 following the purchase of Garden City by the Westfield Group, the centre was renamed Westfield Kotara. Westfield worked for over a year to expand Westfield Kotara in an expansion that significantly increased its size. The centre now features a total of 247 shops. The redevelopment commenced in May 2006. The new food court and half the mall opened on 16 August 2007. The Fashion Mall was completed in September 2007.
In 2010 a development application was submitted for an eight screen cinema complex and possible ten pin bowling alley as part of a $12.5 million expansion in light of the opening of the new Charlestown Square in late 2010. On 26 November 2015, an entertainment precinct called "The Rooftop" opened. It includes an eight screen cinema complex and an open air dining area with between eight and 10 local and national restaurants and food outlets.
== Facilities ==
As of October 2015, Westfield Kotara had 256 stores, 68,660 m2 (739,050 sq ft) of floor space on two levels and 2,973 car spaces.
Category:Shopping Centers
Category:Malls that opened in 1965
Category:International Malls
Category:Malls in Australia