Brand Fit Snapshot
Best for:
Not ideal if:
Similar properties you might like:
Quick assessment - takes 30 seconds
Warrawong Plaza is a sub-regional shopping centre in Warrawong, a suburb of Wollongong, New South Wales, with a gross leasable area of 57,582 square metres across two levels and 140 specialty stores. Anchored by Coles, Aldi, a forthcoming full-line Woolworths supermarket replacing the closed Target store, and Big W, it also features entertainment options like Hoyts cinemas and retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, Rebel Sport, and Toymate, following the departure of TK Maxx in early 2024.
The centre, owned by Elanor Investors Group since 2021, maintains 95% occupancy with a weighted average lease expiry of 5.1 years. Acquired for $136.35 million at a 7.75% yield, it benefits from a catchment of approximately 246,000 residents in the growing Illawarra region, supported by $12 billion in infrastructure investments. Recent rezoning approval allows for a mixed-use redevelopment adding up to 1,300 homes, 15% affordable, and new facilities like a childcare centre, while retail operations continue.
Accessibility is strong via Premier Illawarra buses and proximity to arterial roads with 45,000 daily vehicles, though pedestrian links are being enhanced.
Leasing advantages include stable anchor tenancies and repositioning to offer all major supermarkets, potentially boosting sales from current levels where Big W reports $25 million annually. However, challenges include historical anti-social behaviour incidents and competition from larger centres. Retail sales in similar Wollongong sub-regional malls average $5,000-$7,000 per square metre, with rents around $400-$600 per square metre for prime spaces.
The centre's third-largest status in Illawarra positions it well for convenience-driven trade amid 1.8% annual population growth in the LGA.
Interested in this property?
Choose how you'd like to proceed
Advertise at this property?
Reach high-intent shoppers across digital screens, atria, and experiential placements.
Hours of Operation
Hours
| Monday | 09:00 AM — 05:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 09:00 AM — 05:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 09:00 AM — 05:30 PM |
| Thursday | 09:00 AM — 07:00 PM |
| Friday | 09:00 AM — 05:30 PM |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM — 04:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM — 04:00 PM |
Hours may vary on public holidays. Check with individual stores for specific holiday schedules.
Insights
Demographics and Catchment
Warrawong serves a diverse, working-class demographic in Wollongong LGA, population 220,000 growing at 1.8% annually, with Warrawong suburb at 8,400 residents, median age 36, and household income below state average at $1,500 weekly. Catchment of 246,000 includes families and Pacific Islander communities, driving demand for groceries and essentials, with retail expenditure estimated at $2.3 billion. Upcoming residential development will add density, enhancing local footfall projected at 4-5 million visitors yearly based on centre size and regional benchmarks.
Tenant Mix and Occupancy
The tenant mix emphasizes convenience with 40% supermarkets (Coles, Aldi, new Woolworths), 20% discount department stores (Big W), 15% fashion and leisure (Rebel, Toymate), 10% entertainment (Hoyts), and 15% services including forthcoming childcare. Occupancy at 95% reflects strong demand, supported by anchor commitments and repositioning strategy replacing underperforming Target ($12 million sales) with Woolworths to uplift overall performance. Specialty rents range $300-$500 per square metre, with opportunities in upper-level precincts amid revitalization.
Competition and Risks
Faces competition from Wollongong Central (70,000 m² GLA, higher sales $5,154/sqm) in the CBD and Stockland Shellharbour (80,000 m²) to the south, potentially drawing comparison shoppers. Market saturation in groceries exists, but unique triple-supermarket positioning differentiates it. Risks include construction disruptions from rezoning (homes by 2028), past anti-social issues requiring security measures, and aging infrastructure in parts, though $12 billion regional investments mitigate economic downturns. Footfall may vary with online retail shifts, emphasizing need for experiential offerings.
Building Details
Detailed Market Analytics
City Snapshot
Wollongong, NSW
Comprehensive market intelligence for retail expansion in this city
Other Retail Destinations in Wollongong
Discover more shopping centers in Wollongong.
Popular in Australia
Top retail destinations across Australia.
Interested in this property?
Choose how you'd like to proceed
Advertise at this property?
Reach high-intent shoppers across digital screens, atria, and experiential placements.
City Snapshot
Wollongong, NSW
Comprehensive market intelligence for retail expansion in this city
