Since 1979, Charlestown Square, or “Charlie” as it has affectionately become known, has been a big part of the local community.
Now, the Square is celebrating its 40th birthday with 40 days of celebrations including giveaways and a range of funky, ’70s-themed activations throughout.
You can also celebrate these 40 years of funky memories by checking out the giant photo cube in-centre, located on Level 1 near the Customer Service Desk.
As you prepare to walk down memory lane, check out the Charlie turns 40 timeline, below.
And for more information on all of the birthday happenings at Charlestown Square, head here.
1979
Charlestown Square opened on the 27 March 1979, with a $13M development with 60 stores anchored by Coles New World and Kmart. It is the first shopping centre development in the Lake Macquarie region.
Since then, the centre has undergone significant investment in extensions and modifications, in 1983, 1989, 1996 and 2000. The largest of these redevelopments occurred in 2010.
1989
Charlestown sees the addition of the region’s first Myer Department Store, and the inclusion of the first modern food court called Charlie’s Magic Eatery.
2010
Charlestown Square doubled in size to 88,000sqm. The development cost a total of $470 million and provided 1250 permanent or part-time jobs in the retail industry, making it a major employer in the region.
110 stores were added along with more than 1,000 new car parking spaces, resulting in 280 total retail stores and 3,500 car parking spaces. The 2010 development included some ground-breaking energy- and water-saving features, carbon emissions reducing from 97 gas emission per square metre (2005) to just 18 gas emission per square metre in 2016 – an 89% reduction.
2016
International mini-majors are brought in to the centre, including first to the Hunter retailers H&M and Cotton On Mega
2017
Sephora is launched, the first store for the retailer in the Hunter
2019
The Corner, Newcastle’s newest day to night food and lifestyle precinct will launch.
