b'A NEW HEART BEATING AT CASTLE HILL WORDS Nick NicholsPHOTOS Castle TowersSydneys new Metro rail network is not only transforming the way people commute in Castle Hill, but also the way they work, shop and play.CASTLE TOWERS, THE LONG-ESTABLISHEDFuturedevelopmentsalsoincludeplansfood marketplace, which has been completed RETAILANDCOMMERCIALHEARTofthefor six new high-rise buildings, comprisingin time for the busy Christmas season.area,isplayingakeyroleinthisevolutiontwo residential towers and two commercialThe contemporary-style food-lovers precinct through a $1 billion master plan that will createoffice buildings. Parking facilities are alsooccupies part of a former carpark within Castle a dynamic new town centre for the suburb.being upgraded to a capacity of more thanTowers, providing fresh produce, fine meats Its also expected to deliver a major employment8000 vehicles. and seafood, as well as freshly baked goods boost with forecasts of an extra 2300 jobs inThe first stage is all about pedestrian mobilityand specialty foods. Its a place to sample a the commercial heart of Castle Hill. and providing a seamless transition for peoplerange of cheeses and other deli delights, as TheplansproposedbycentreownerQICto access Castle Hills premier retail precinctwellasartisanEuropean-stylepastriesand willultimatelytransformCastleTowersintofrom the new Metro station. ready-to-eat food options, all while taking time Australias second-largest shopping centre byout to catch-up for a coffee with friends.Thesecurenewpedestrianunderpassnow boosting the total floor area to 190,000sqm. directly connects the Metro station concourseThe international food marketplace kicks off a The proposal includes a new outdoor retailwiththenewlookCastleTowersanditsnew era in retailing within the centre, building precinct,anexpansionofthecinemaseriously upgraded retail precinct. on the popular Fresh Food Market Days, which complexandarevitalisationofthePiazzaare held every Saturday to inspire home cooks The work is primed for commuters who arevia cooking demonstrations, product samples dining hub. The Piazza upgrade will see theon the go to easily access the full range ofand fresh food specials.precinct transformed into a weather-friendlyservices and facilities within the centre before destination with extended trading hours aimedcatching the Metro. ThescaleofQICsproposed$1billion at injecting new life into the Castle Hill townredevelopmentwillultimatelyplaceCastle centre and contributing to the regions night- Among the latest offerings in the first stageTowersamongAustraliaspremierretail, time economy. of the redevelopment is an international freshentertainment and leisure destinations.16SUMMER2019'