Canberra Centre
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Canberra Centre, shopping mall located in Civic, Canberra, Australia. It opened in 1963 as the Monaro Mall,[1] then underwent a $220 million redevelopment and became the Canberra Centre in 1989.
Prime Minister Robert Menzies opened the centre on 6 March 1963. At the time it was the first Australian three-storey, fully enclosed and air conditioned shopping centre.[1] It was known as Monaro Mall. The Canberra Centre that replaced it was opened by Chief Minister Rosemary Follett on 2 November [1989]].[1] The shopping centre was extended across Bunda Street further down Ainslie Avenue in 2002. However, both redevelopments have been criticised by architects and town planners for breaking the axis which runs between Mount Ainslie and City Hill, part of Walter Burley Griffin's original plan for Canberra.[citation needed]
The shopping mall has three levels, one above ground and one below. It has Myer, David Jones and Target department stores, and many other smaller shops. The food court is located on the lower ground level of the centre, often ridiculed by store holders for being dark and gloomy.[citation needed] With further development, other smaller food precincts are located throughout the centre. The shopping centre is owned by Queensland Investment Corporation.
As part of the Section 84 development being built by the Queensland Investment Corporation, owners of the Canberra Centre, the centre has extended over to the other side of Petrie Street, over which a new retail bridge is located. In this new section is a Big W discount department store, a Supabarn supermarket, Borders, JB Hifi and a new food court. Most of the new retail majors have opened their doors, with JB Hifi opened first on December 2nd. Additionally a 9 screen cinema operated by Dendy has opened and contains a two screen premium lounge.
Upon completion the new Canberra Centre will feature a 3 floor David Jones, 3 floor Myer, Target, Big W, Supabarn, Borders (the first in the A.C.T.), JB Hifi, a 9 screen Dendy Cinema (also a first for the A.C.T), plus over 310 speciality stores.
On 28 February 2007, a severe thunderstorm known as a "supercell" passed over Canberra causing flash flooding, severe hail and property damage. The Canberra Centre along with the Australian National University and Campbell High School sustained heavy damage with flooding and damage to internal fit out. Severe damage was inflicted on most parts of the centre including the brand new expansion. The first sign of trouble for those inside the centre came when water began pouring from the ceiling of Dendy Cinema. After ten minutes, staff began a hasty evacuation. Borders also sustained heavy damage and flooding. [2]
