Leading Australian multi-service group Baulderstone Hornibrook will soon begin construction of the $300 million Westpoint Shopping Centre redevelopment in Blacktown, western Sydney.

This follows Baulderstone Hornibrook’s signing of a maximum price contract with developer Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) after 10 months of design planning, gaining authority approvals and agreeing a works program.

“This project is a magnificent achievement for Baulderstone Hornibrook and provides a solid platform for work over the next three years,” Baulderstone Hornibrook Director Martin Monro said.

“It is also testament to our team’s capacity to deliver solutions which meet specific client objectives and outcomes. The contract signing was the culmination of a skilled and determined effort by up to 20 of our people since August last year when we were appointed preferred tenderer.

“We worked hand-in-hand with the client to find design solutions which would meet the client’s expectations.”

The Westpoint Shopping Centre project involves constructing a major extension to the centre covering an entire city block and necessitating the closure of one of the main thoroughfares in Blacktown. The centre will almost double in size to approximately 100,000m2.

Mr Monro said Baulderstone Hornibrook was now focused on the construction phase of the project which was due to start immediately, generating more than 1000 jobs over three years.

Stage 1 is due to be completed by mid 2005. It will deliver a relocated and expanded Woolworths, Big W, Target, Hoyts Cinema complex and some 120 specialty stores and mini-majors. Parking will be increased by 2000 vehicles. Stage 2, to be completed later in 2005, includes a Coles supermarket, Franklins and a fresh food precinct. Stage 3, to be completed by mid 2006, refurbishes works in the existing centre and adds several new mini-major stores. In addition to the retail and car parking areas, the project will involve major service relocations, extensive external roadworks and alterations to public transport facilities.