If all goes according to plan the $200m expansion of Rouse Hill Town Centre will be finished in time for Christmas shopping in 2026.
The official sod turning ceremony to mark the start of major works on the busy and popular shopping hub featured a smoking ceremony and was attended by Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank Di Masi, the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, alongside GPT’s CEO Russell Proutt and Head of Retail Chris Barnett, and representatives from construction partner ADCO and RHTC retail partners.
The expansion will offer more than 50 new retail, dining and leisure options for the community to experience, increasing the centre’s footprint to over 80,000 sqm.
The project is GPT’s largest retail development in 10 years and includes a revitalised Town Green and 200 additional parking spaces. The project is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs and over 400 new retail positions upon completion.
Hills Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne said; “Rouse Hill Town Centre is already a beloved hub for coffee, shopping, and dining. It hosts one of our libraries and has been the backdrop for memorable events like our Orange Blossom Festival parade and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, thanks to our partnership with the GPT Group.
“The expansion will ensure it continues to serve as a key gathering place for residents for years to come.
“As one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, The Hills Shire is expected to welcome nearly 329,000 residents by 2041—an incredible 71 per cent increase in just 15 years. To support this growth, we need to enhance our parks, sports fields, roadways, schools, and retail opportunities,” she said.
GPT’s Head of Development Retail, Anthony Iannuzzi, said: “Rouse Hill Town Centre has long been the jewel in the crown for the region, serving as the leading retail hub for an area undergoing significant growth and transformation.
“With our continued investment in the Centre’s modernisation and expansion, we’re strengthening its role as a key asset for a dynamic and evolving community”
With Australian retail sales forecast to grow 3.3% p.a. per sqm over the next decade, GPT’s Chief Executive Officer, Russell Proutt emphasised the value of investing in highperforming assets. “RHTC consistently delivers strong footfall, robust sales, and maintains low vacancy,” Mr. Proutt said.
“We’re seeing a resurgence in bricks-andmortar retail, not just as a point of purchase, but as avital driver of customer experience and a powerful contributor to online conversion. The modernisation of RHTC opens the door for more retailers to establish a physical presence while addressing the evolving needs of Sydney’s rapidly growing north-west corridor.”
ADCO’s Managing Director, Neil Harding, said: “We are proud to partner with GPT on the expansion of Rouse Hill Town Centre, an iconic project that reflects the energy and growth of Western Sydney.
At ADCO, we are committed to delivering high-quality, community-focused developments, and this milestone represents a shared vision to build not just great spaces, but lasting value for the region.
We are excited to bring our expertise to a project that will enhance the retail, lifestyle, and social fabric of the Hills district.”
