THE long-awaited opening of Watergardens Town Centre’s $150-million expansion on 31 March was delayed until last week.
Last Thursday, five days after the original opening was due to happen, the centre welcomed shoppers inside the Big W and 56 specialty shops.
Centre manager Steve Edgerton said a last-minute construction delay caused the the opening to be postponed.
Elaine McTaggart, from the public relations firm Corporate Story, told Star there was not enough time for the regulatory authorities to do the sign-offs before the close of business on Friday, 30 March.
“Up until Friday afternoon we were confident we would be able to achieve the opening day,” Ms McTaggart said.
She denied rumours that the centre did not get a fire authority approval.
“The MFB (Metropolitan Fire Brigade) is one of the authorities that has to sign off, so there’s no suggestion that any approval was refused, only that there wasn’t time to get it,” she said.
Flyers were handed out to shoppers to inform them about the postponement, and illuminated signs were placed on the Melton Highway on the day the centre’s expansion was due to open.
Vilma Pereira, from Hillside, said she was very disappointed over the short notice of the postponement of the opening.
“It was definitely not well organised,” Ms Pereira said.
Keilor Labor MP George Seitz learned about the postponement from a bulletin on a national radio station.
“I feel sorry for the people that lease the shops that will miss out on all the Easter shopping,” Mr Seitz said.
Mr Edgerton said it was a “huge disappointment” that the opening was deferred.
“We want to thank all our shoppers for their support; it’s great to be part of such a loyal community,” Mr Edgerton said.
More than 100 shops are expected to be open next month.
