Owners QIC and the council have reached agreement over land acquisitions needed to make the dream of a 60,000 sq m expansion of the centre a reality.
Stage 3 was approved in February 2011, but there has been seven years of negotiations of necessary land acquisitions before it could go ahead.
Under council approval, construction has to start by February 2016. When stage 3 is completed, the centre will be 173,683 sqm.
Only Victoria’s Chadstone Shopping Centre at 215,000 sqm and Westfield Fountain Gate at 174,635 sq m are bigger.
After the Towers’ completed redevelopment, Parramatta’s Westfield will come in as fourth largest shopping centre in Australia, at 168,902 sqm.
A QIC spokesman said that despite its projected size, Castle Towers would continue to have quality stores with several top overseas brands looking to open in the centre.
Newly-elected Hills mayor Andrew Jefferies cannot wipe the smile off his face with the latest approval for the centre.
“This will really drive the Hills forward - a wonderful shopping centre combined with the north west rail link, making the Hills an even better place to live,” Clr Jefferies said.
“The extension of Castle Towers will provide thousands of new local retail and commercial jobs to our growing population and will be a real shot in the arm for our booming local economy.”
Part of the approved land acquisition will be the 1880-built former Castle Hill Public School building, bordered by Showground Rd, Kentwell Ave and Pennant St.
Plans for the historic building include a restaurant, gallery or cafe. QIC is committed to restoring and preserving the building that has been an iconic part of Castle Hill for so long.
There also would be “significant improvements” to the cinema, entertainment and leisure precinct of the centre that is set to be the cornerstone of Hills life.
