Narellan Town Centre

Dart West Retail engaged Future Food to provide a data-driven strategy that would guide the redevelopment plans and inform the work of their chosen architects, Hames Sharley. The objective was to establish a forward-thinking F&B strategy that aligned with modern lifestyle aspirations, evolving consumer trends, and the Centre’s growth trajectory.

Future Food’s approach focused on redefining the role of food and hospitality within the Centre. Recognising the shift in success metrics from retail spend to overall experience, we prioritised a hospitality-driven strategy that went beyond the standard offerings of daytime cafes and sustenance food for shoppers. Instead, we proposed a balanced approach that included a mix of restaurants, casual dining, and bars, contributing to the evening economy and enhancing the Centre’s position as a destination in its own right.

Our analysis highlighted the importance of integrating a successful dining cluster with a place-first strategy. This approach aimed to create a vibrant, experience-driven environment that resonated with the community, offering more than just convenience-oriented dining. The goal was to develop a hospitality experience that would draw visitors beyond their shopping needs, turning Narellan Town Centre into a premier destination for dining and social experiences.

By leveraging the Centre’s potential with additional new leasable area, we identified an opportunity to leapfrog Narellan Town Centre’s current position and establish it as the pre-eminent hospitality destination in the region. This transformation would not only enhance the Centre’s market share but also significantly improve its average spend per head (ASPH) metrics.

The proposed strategy sets the stage for a comprehensive redevelopment that will place Narellan Town Centre at the forefront of the experience economy, with food and hospitality as its driving force. The Centre’s evolution from a predominantly daytime offer to a vibrant, all-day destination will cater to the needs of a growing population and solidify its role as the heart of the community.

Dart West Retail’s collaboration with Future Food and Hames Sharley represents a forward-thinking approach to retail and hospitality development. Narellan Town Centre is poised to become a leading example of how modern shopping centres can evolve to meet the needs of their communities while driving economic growth.