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Mystery surrounds the identity of a new department store to open in Westfield Hurstville. Upmarket department store David Jones has been mentioned as a possibility by one prominent business identity. But David Jones has refused to say. “It’s our company policy not to comment on speculation,” a David Jones spokeswoman said. Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield shopping centres in Australia and New Zealand, has submitted a development application to Georges River Council for “alterations and additions to provide for the expansion of a major store at Westfield Hurstville to provide a new department store.” Price tag for the development application is $15.3 million. The proposed works involve replacing the existing Target and adjacent mini major on the centre’s retail level two with a department store. There will be an additional two retail shops at the Rose Street entry to the centre and a relocated and expanded centre management office on the rooftop area on level five. Overall, there is an increase in retail area of 460 square metres, added to the current 585 square metres of the site subject of the DA, and an increase in the centre management office of 140 square metres. “The proposed development will be a benefit, not only to residents living within the local community but will also benefit the general public utilising public transport and other retailers within the centre because of the added attraction to the centre,” according to the Statement of Environmental Effects prepared by Ingham Planning Pty Ltd that accompanies the development application. It will result in a development that is “substantially enhanced by the introduction of a department store to serve the surrounding region.” “The proposal will not only improve the viability of existing businesses, it will in fact add to the economic well-being of Hurstville commercial centre as a whole and the sub-regional role of the centre.” The EIS concludes that the proposal is considered to be in the public interest as it will assist in enhancing the retail, entertainment and lifestyle options in Hurstville town centre and will increase job opportunities in the locality both during construction and operation. The business community in Hurstville has wanted another major department store to open since Myer in Westfield closed its doors in January 2015. Following Myers departure, the Scentre Group announced a major $105 million redevelopment of the Westfield Hurstville. This included a new rooftop alfresco dining area adjoining the entry to a refurbished and modified Event Cinema.

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