LOCAL LIFE
The GPT Group breaks ground on $ 200m
Rouse Hill Town Centre expansion
The GPT Group( GPT) has officially commenced construction on the highly anticipated expansion of Rouse Hill Town Centre( RHTC), marking a major milestone in its long-term strategy to grow and evolve its retail assets in high-growth regions.
The expansion will deliver a vibrant and diverse retail mix that reflects the changing needs of a growing customer base, offering more than 50 new retail, dining, and leisure options for the local community.
This milestone was celebrated with a ceremonial sod-turning event at RHTC, attended by Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, representatives from the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, GPT CEO Russell Proutt, Head of Retail Chris Barnett, construction partner ADCO, and RHTC retail partners.
With Australian retail sales projected to grow by 3.3 % per annum per square metre over the next decade, GPT CEO Russell Proutt highlighted the importance of investing in high-performing assets.
“ RHTC consistently records strong footfall, robust sales and maintains low vacancy rates,” Mr Proutt said.
“ We’ re witnessing a resurgence in bricks-and-mortar retail— not just as a sales point but as a critical part of the customer experience and a major contributor to online conversion. This expansion allows more retailers to establish a physical presence while meeting the evolving needs of Sydney’ s rapidly expanding north-west corridor.” The project will increase RHTC’ s total footprint to over 80,000 sqm and will include a revitalised Town Green, upgraded amenities including end-of-trip facilities, and an additional 200 parking spaces. The development is expected to generate more than 300 construction jobs and over 400 new retail positions upon completion.
Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne welcomed the commencement of works, saying:
“ As one of Australia’ s fastest-growing areas, The Hills Shire is expected to grow to nearly 329,000 residents by 2041— an extraordinary 71 per cent increase in just 15 years. To support this growth, we must invest in our parks, sports fields, roads, schools, and retail centres.
“ Rouse Hill Town Centre is already a cherished community hub, home to one of our libraries and host to events like the Orange Blossom Festival parade and the FIFA Women’ s World Cup, thanks to our partnership with GPT.
“ This expansion will ensure it continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place for our residents well into the future.”
Anthony Iannuzzi, GPT’ s Head of
Development – Retail, said:
“ Rouse Hill Town Centre has long been the jewel in the crown of this region, serving as the leading retail destination in an area undergoing major transformation.
“ With continued investment in the Centre’ s modernisation and expansion, we are cementing its position as a vital community asset for generations to come.”
Neil Harding, Managing Director of ADCO, added:“ We are proud to partner with GPT on the expansion of RHTC, a landmark project that reflects the dynamism of Western Sydney. At ADCO, we’ re committed to delivering high-quality, communitycentred developments. This milestone demonstrates our shared vision to create not only exceptional spaces but lasting value for the region. We are thrilled to contribute to a project that will enhance the retail, lifestyle, and social landscape of the Hills District.”
With Western Sydney forecast to experience substantial population growth— including a projected 30 per cent increase in Rouse Hill and The Hills Shire over the next decade— the expansion of RHTC underscores GPT’ s ongoing commitment to investing in high-potential areas and supporting the evolving needs of local communities.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 120 // JUNE 2025 9