Mandurah Forum: Shoppers turn out to grand opening | Photos

Shoppers started lining up outside Mandurah Forum from 7am on Thursday, eager to be first in line for the opening of some of the centre’s flagship stores including David Jones, H&M and Mecca Maxima.

Thursday marked the final opening for the $350 million redevelopment, which saw hundreds of new stores open from July last year, and included a performance by Mandurah Primary School students. 

Thursday’s event saw the launch of stores including Forever New, Lorna Jane, Hairhouse Warehouse, Barbershop Express and Cotton On, as well as the new alfresco casual dining precinct and food court.

Vicinity Centres chief Grant Kelley overall the development had created 700 jobs, 220 of which were sourced from the job fairs held at the centre.

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“This is a very important point because I think in corporate Australia it's critical that companies such as Vicinity play their part and specifically in the shopping centre business where it is so much a community gathering point and heartland,” he said.

“Part of the mission here was to create a destination which brings more people from all over Australia into this part of the world.

“We'll actually get today 1.9 million visitors into the Mandurah area and I hope the Mandurah Forum can play its part in bringing more people here and creating more employment for the community.”

Canning MP Andrew Hastie, who spoke at the official opening, commended Vicinity Centres and financial partner ISPT for taking a “bold move” in starting the redvelopment when they did.

“These sorts of projects don't just happen; they happen because of enterprising Australians,” he said.  

“These projects are piled high with difficulty so this morning I want to acknowledge the courage of those involved, those who took  the financial risks to make this happen – ISPT and Vicinity Centres – and also the small business owners who put their livelihoods on the line to be part of this great project.

“A couple of years ago, when it started, people were talking down the WA economy and yet, this project started in the midst of that climate.”

For Mandurah MP David Templeman, Thursday’s event was a chance to look back on how far the local shopping centre had come.

“I've been here for 30 years in Mandurah and I remember the first Mandurah Forum which was about four little tiny clusters, and now it is magnificent,” he said.  

“As you come through that entrance you see the beach scene, the businesses that are there and it's just wonderful.

“The key for all of us here in Mandurah and the region – the heart of the south – is that we buy local.

“We support our local businesses because they are the ones who will employ our current and future generations.”

The grand opening celebrations are set to continue over the weekend with exclusive offers, entertainment and giveaways.