Harbourside Shopping Centre


Harbourside Shopping Centre is a large-scale shopping centre in Darling Harbour, close to the Sydney central business district in Australia. It is located next door to the new International Convention Centre with views of the city's skyline.
As of December 2016, Harbourside attracts more than 11.9 million people per year and is expecting to reach $154 million in spending.

Stores and attractions

Stores and attractions in the centre include a Kingpin Bowling Alley, M9 Laser Skirmish, Australia's first retail Jet flight simulator, RaceCentre, 9D motion moving cinema and Hard Rock Cafe.

Transport

Harbourside is only a short walk from Sydney CBD serviced by public transport including a taxi rank, light rail, a marina for private boats and ferry services in addition to the extensive car park facilities. Until June 2013, it was served by a Sydney Monorail station.

History

Harbourside Shopping Centre was opened on 4 May 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II in which she formally opened the Darling Harbour redevelopment as part of the Australian Bicentennial celebrations. Sydney Aquarium was the first attraction to open and was soon followed by a host of museums, shops, restaurants, hotels and bars.
In 2005, Harbourside underwent a full refurbishment which unveiled a new and expanded food court, an entertainment level which is home to a 20-lane Kingpin Bowling Centre, M9 Laser Skirmish and Australia's first Boeing 737-800 flight simulator, Flight Experience.
On 7 November 2013, Harbourside Shopping Centre was acquired by Mirvac for $522 million following the administration of Beville Group which also owns Top Ryde City. Beville Group acquired the centre for $127 million in 2004.

Future

As part of the $3 billion project underway Mirvac planned for a significant new retail shopping centre and commercial office tower," documents, lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment as part of the Harbourside Shopping Centre development in 2015.
However, in August, 2016, Mirvac has dropped plans for an office complex at Darling Harbour and is instead looking to build a taller, skinnier apartment tower as part of its proposed $400 million redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre.