Macquarie Centre
A major shopping centre and mixed-use retail destination in Macquarie Park, Sydney, New South Wales.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Macquarie Centre is a large suburban shopping centre in Macquarie Park, in Sydney's Northern Sydney region, located opposite and adjacent to Macquarie University. The centre combines department stores, supermarkets, fashion and specialty retail, dining, entertainment, fitness, transport access and a full-size ice rink. Its position beside Macquarie University and Macquarie University railway station gives it an unusually strong connection to students, university staff, commuters and residents from the wider northern Sydney area. The centre originated in a contested development environment during the late 1960s. Grace Bros acquired land in North Ryde in 1968 with the intention of developing a major shopping complex. David Jones and Hooker Investment Corporation were also pursuing a competing project in the area, but their proposal encountered planning and zoning difficulties. Grace Bros expanded its landholding and ultimately secured State Government approval in 1969. Construction began in March 1979 after AMP became the majority financial partner in the development. Industrial disputes and labour shortages contributed to substantial construction delays, and the centre missed several proposed opening dates before opening on 17 November 1981. New South Wales Premier Neville Wran officially opened the centre. At opening, Macquarie Centre included a Grace Bros department store, later converted to Myer, along with Big W, Target, Woolworths, approximately 130 specialty stores and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Its original incline-mall design used ramps, stairs and escalators around a central water feature and atrium, creating a gently rising circulation route across the complex. The Macquarie Ice Rink became one of the centre's defining facilities and has hosted public skating, ice sports and competitive events, including the 1991 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. It has also served as the home venue for Sydney-based ice hockey teams. The centre expanded its food, entertainment and retail offer over subsequent decades. Franklins Fresh opened in 1992 and continued under the Franklins name until 2012. A rooftop eight-screen Greater Union cinema and leisure precinct opened in 1994; the cinema complex later expanded to 16 screens and was renamed Event Cinemas in 2009. A major late-1990s refurbishment reshaped the central atrium, while the 2000 Escape and Loft additions introduced new entrances, parking, stores and a homewares-focused precinct. Tenants associated with these phases included Borders, Dick Smith Powerhouse, Freedom and Wheel & Barrow. The most significant transformation began in late 2012, when AMP Capital Shopping Centres commenced a redevelopment reported at approximately $440 million. The first stage opened in July 2014 with Coles, Aldi and a fresh-food market. The second stage, completed in October 2014, added a new wing, a full-line David Jones store, a two-level link between David Jones, Myer and the existing centre, around 130 additional stores and more than 1,000 car spaces. The expansion introduced international fashion and beauty retailers including H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and Sephora to the centre's tenant mix. Macquarie Centre has continued to operate as a regional retail and entertainment hub, with approximately 134,900 square metres of floor space and multi-level parking. Its major tenants and attractions have included David Jones, Myer, Big W, Kmart, Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Cotton On, H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, JB Hi-Fi, Rebel, Fitness First, Timezone, Strike Bowling Bar, Event Cinemas and Macquarie Ice Rink. The centre is served by Macquarie University station on Sydney Metro and by numerous bus routes linking it with the Sydney central business district, the North Shore, northern Sydney and surrounding suburbs. A mixed-use redevelopment approved in 2016 proposed residential towers, community facilities, additional parking and a new station plaza. In 2019, the proposed demolition of the ice rink prompted substantial public opposition. AMP Capital subsequently announced that it would preserve the rink, retaining one of the centre's most distinctive and publicly recognised amenities. Macquarie Centre remains an active shopping centre whose identity is built around regional retail scale, university adjacency, transport connectivity and a broad leisure offering.
History
Macquarie Centre was developed on land in North Ryde acquired by Grace Bros during the late 1960s. Grace Bros announced plans for a major shopping centre in 1968, while David Jones and Hooker Investment Corporation were pursuing a competing development known as Garden City. Planning approval proved difficult for both proposals. David Jones's scheme was rejected on zoning grounds, while Grace Bros continued its application process with planning support and eventually obtained State Government approval in November 1969. Construction did not begin immediately. In March 1979, work commenced on a site of approximately 9.4 hectares adjoining Macquarie University after AMP agreed to become the majority shareholder and provide substantial development finance. Labour disputes affected the project. Industrial negotiations produced site allowances, further disputes over weekly pay continued, and by July 1981 only part of the required workforce was reportedly active. The resulting delays forced the opening date to move from Easter 1981 to September and then November. These changes created difficulties for smaller retailers that had stocked merchandise for earlier opening dates. Macquarie Centre opened on 17 November 1981, with New South Wales Premier Neville Wran performing the official opening. The original centre contained Grace Bros, Big W, Target, Woolworths and approximately 130 specialty stores. Its architecture used an incline-mall layout, with ramps and vertical circulation arranged around a central atrium and water feature. The centre's Olympic-sized ice rink, measuring 60 by 30 metres and with seating for approximately 2,000 spectators, became a defining feature. It supported recreational skating, ice dance, speed skating and ice hockey and hosted the 1991 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. Retail and entertainment facilities expanded during the 1990s. Franklins Fresh was introduced in 1992 and later operated as Franklins until 2012. A Greater Union cinema and leisure precinct opened in September 1994 with eight screens; the complex eventually expanded to 16 screens and was renamed Event Cinemas in 2009. A refurbishment in 1997 substantially reworked the central rainforest-style atrium and introduced a sundial clock fountain, which was later removed in 2015. The centre underwent another major improvement programme around 1999 and 2000. The Escape and Loft areas added upgraded entrances, parking, food outlets and retail space. The Loft was positioned as a homewares precinct, while the wider expansion brought tenants such as Borders, Dick Smith Powerhouse, Freedom and Wheel & Barrow. Grace Bros was rebranded as Myer in 2004. In 2010, Fitness First occupied space previously used by Freedom, and JB Hi-Fi moved into the former Borders area. Ownership changed over time. AMP Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund No. 2 became the centre's sole owner after an agreement with Westfield in 2012. In October 2021, Cbus and UniSuper each acquired a 25 percent shareholding. Operationally, the property has been associated with AMP Capital Shopping Centres. The largest physical transformation began in late 2012 with a redevelopment reported at approximately $440 million. Stage one opened on 17 July 2014 and added Coles, Aldi and a fresh-food market. Stage two followed in October 2014, delivering a new wing, a full-line David Jones, a two-level connection to the existing centre and Myer, around 130 additional stores and approximately 1,050 car spaces. The expansion strengthened Macquarie Centre's role as one of Sydney's largest suburban shopping destinations and introduced international brands including H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and Sephora. A further mixed-use proposal was approved on 15 November 2016. The scheme contemplated four residential towers of approximately 26 to 33 storeys, around 1,000 apartments, 5,000 square metres of community facilities, additional parking and a station plaza linking the centre with Macquarie University station. In January 2019, it was announced that the ice rink would close for demolition in connection with later development stages. Public opposition focused on the loss of the rink, and AMP Capital announced in February 2019 that it would preserve the facility. Today, Macquarie Centre remains a major retail, dining and entertainment complex with approximately 134,900 square metres of floor space and around 4,900 car spaces. Its tenant mix includes department stores, supermarkets, fashion chains, electronics, sporting goods, fitness, cinemas, bowling, family entertainment and ice sports. The centre's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University station and a dense network of bus routes continues to shape its regional catchment and commercial identity.
- 2021
Cbus and UniSuper acquire ownership interests
[1]Cbus and UniSuper each purchased a 25 percent shareholding in the centre.
- 2019
Ice rink preservation announced
[1]Following public opposition to its proposed removal, AMP Capital announced that Macquarie Ice Rink would be retained.
- 2016
Mixed-use redevelopment approved
[1]Approval was granted for residential towers, community facilities, parking and a station plaza.
- 2014
Redevelopment stages completed
[1]New grocery, fresh-food, department-store, fashion and entertainment capacity was delivered across two stages.
- 2012
Major redevelopment commences
[1]AMP Capital Shopping Centres began the centre's large-scale redevelopment programme.
- 2004
Grace Bros becomes Myer
[1]The centre's Grace Bros department store was rebranded as Myer.
- 1994
Cinema precinct opens
[1]An eight-screen Greater Union cinema and leisure precinct opened on the rooftop level.
- 1991
World Short Track Speed Skating Championships
[1]The Macquarie Ice Rink hosted the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships.
- 1981
Official opening
[1]Macquarie Centre opened on 17 November with major department-store, supermarket, specialty-retail and ice-rink facilities.
- 1979
Construction begins
[1]Construction commenced after AMP became the majority shareholder and financial partner.
Products and positioning
A large, transport-connected regional shopping and leisure centre serving northern Sydney, with a distinctive university-side location and an Olympic-sized ice rink.
Shopping centre · 1981
Macquarie Centre retail space
The core offering is a large multi-level retail environment accommodating department stores, supermarkets, fashion retailers, specialty shops, food outlets and services. The centre serves both everyday-needs shopping and destination retail, with a broad tenant mix anchored by major Australian and international chains.
Sports and entertainment · 1981
Macquarie Ice Rink
A full-size Olympic ice rink measuring approximately 60 by 30 metres, with seating for around 2,000 spectators. It supports public skating, ice dance, speed skating, ice hockey and organised competitions, and has hosted international events.
Cinema and leisure · 1994
Event Cinemas Macquarie
The centre's rooftop cinema operation began as an eight-screen Greater Union complex in 1994. It later expanded to 16 screens and adopted the Event Cinemas name in 2009, forming part of the centre's broader entertainment offer.
Food retail · 2014
Fresh food and grocery precinct
Macquarie Centre has hosted grocery anchors and fresh-food facilities across its history. The 2014 redevelopment added Coles, Aldi and a fresh-food market, complementing Woolworths and other food and dining operators.
Controversies
Marketing campaigns
- 2019Save Macquarie Ice Rink campaign
Australia
Community members and ice-sports supporters opposed plans that would have removed the long-standing rink as part of a future redevelopment.
Outcome. AMP Capital announced that the ice rink would be preserved.
Brand decisions
2019
Preserve Macquarie Ice RinkOtherBackground
AMP Capital had announced that the rink would close for demolition in connection with later redevelopment stages, but the proposal met significant public resistance.
Action taken
AMP Capital announced in February 2019 that the rink would be retained.
Aftermath
The rink remained a central part of Macquarie Centre's identity and leisure offering.
2016
Approve mixed-use expansion planStrategyBackground
The centre's owners and planners pursued a broader integration of retail, residential, community and transport-related uses.
Action taken
A plan for four residential towers, community space, additional parking and a station plaza received approval on 15 November 2016.
Aftermath
Later planning associated with the scheme threatened the ice rink, generating public opposition and contributing to the subsequent decision to preserve it.
2012
Proceed with major centre redevelopmentStrategyBackground
Macquarie Centre required additional retail, food, entertainment and parking capacity to strengthen its position as a major suburban destination.
Action taken
AMP Capital Shopping Centres commenced a redevelopment programme reported at approximately $440 million.
Aftermath
The project delivered new grocery and fresh-food facilities, a David Jones department store, a new retail wing, international fashion and beauty brands, and additional parking in 2014.
Recent events
- 2019
Ice-rink demolition proposal prompts public opposition[1]
Campaign
Plans associated with the proposed mixed-use expansion would have removed Macquarie Ice Rink. Public opposition preceded AMP Capital's announcement that the rink would be preserved.
- 2017
Police officer assaulted at Macquarie Centre[1]
Other
A police officer was kicked in the face during a late-night disturbance involving youths and security guards. A 16-year-old was subsequently charged.
- 2016
Mixed-use expansion approved[1]
Regulation
Approval was granted for a long-term mixed-use scheme involving residential towers, community space, more parking and a station plaza.
- 2014
Macquarie Centre redevelopment stages open[1]
Product launch
The first stage introduced Coles, Aldi and a fresh-food market. The second stage added David Jones, a new mall wing, around 130 stores and additional parking.
- 2012
AMP Capital begins major Macquarie Centre redevelopment[1]
Other
A large-scale redevelopment began, subsequently adding new grocery, fresh-food, department-store, fashion and entertainment space.
- 1994
Greater Union cinema and leisure precinct opens[1]
Product launch
An eight-screen cinema complex opened on the rooftop level, later expanding to 16 screens and becoming Event Cinemas in 2009.
- 1981
Macquarie Centre opens in Macquarie Park[1]
Other
The centre officially opened on 17 November after delays to its construction programme. Its initial offer included department-store and supermarket anchors, approximately 130 specialty stores and an Olympic-sized ice rink.
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