They may only be three kilometres apart, but Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara are worlds apart when it comes to shoppers’ preferences – or at least they are in this household.
Surely everyone within cooee of both, holds an opinion on such important matters.
In my home, which consists of two adults, a teenager and a tween, we are split, right down the middle, 50-50.
While half are adamant that Westfield is far superior in its offerings, the other half claim “Charlie” is the clear favourite.
Admittedly a novice retail shopper might say they both appear to be a multi-level structure housing everything from food, clothing, homewares and gifts to a range of services, all surrounded by car parks.
But, enthusiasts will tell you there’s so much more to the maze of lights, sounds and smells.
From the ease of parking to purchasing the perfect item, great customer service, a good vibe or a full belly, then once again finding the car park – it all matters.
So, what’s better, Charlestown Square or Westfield Kotara?
Both “Charlie” and Kotara have their own eating spaces, whether it be a food court, corner or rooftop.
Both also have a sprinkling of cafes.
Both are home to a cinema complex and entertainment zone, each have a children’s play area, and both offer an in-house stylist.
Both have a store that stocks tea and a place to buy fresh flowers, both offer a place to get a massage, a new hairdo, a wax and clothing alterations.
In recent years both have even employed the creative services of local artists to enhance its visual appeal.
In this household, half claim Charlestown Square is more suited to the “everyday person”, given it is home to more affordable stores, the likes of Target and Big W.
But, that argument doesn’t sit, because Kotara offers both Kmart and Target in its fold.
Both house an H&M, Country Road, Bras n Things, Dotti and JayJays.
Only Charlestown has French Connection and Footlocker, but Westfield has Cue and JD Sports.
And, both have discounted bargain shops – Dollar King at Westfield and Discount General at Charlestown.
Perhaps the luxury of Westfield is an illusion created by the top floor décor – plush carpet and velvet-covered furniture, a wide aisle and rest stops.
Charlestown has opted for polished wooden floors and glass dividers, spacious aisles and lots of natural light.
Both have tall ceilings and sunroofs which add to the expansive feel.
One of the adult drivers in my household, who is particularly pro-Charlestown, says the difference is the number of parking bays.
But, after investigating, that line of argument doesn’t work either – Charlestown has 2,254 car parks, Kotara boasts 3,540.
It’s worth noting that same adult is now convinced it’s the size of the parking bays that differ – I’m not going there.
For the almost-teenager, both complexes satisfy a shopping urge because both are home to Sportsgirl, Cotton On, and Typo, but only Charlestown has Ghanda, City Beach and Glassons.
When it comes to the teenager, who is not fond of browsing, Kotara is “easier to navigate”. This comment comes with no explanation (this is a teenager).
The only other feedback from said teenager included a wish that Rebel Sports was within the complex at Kotara, rather than a 600m walk away.
It’s worth noting when this same teen was younger, Kotara’s Skate Connection, with in-house lessons and a half-pipe, was one of the only shops worth visiting – perhaps the fond memories have stuck.
For books, it’s Harry Hartog v Dymocks, and both have QBD Books.
Neither has a music store.
Even parking fees are competitive, with Charlestown offering the first three hours free, and free parking after 5pm. Kotara offers the first two hours free and a maximum fee of $35 – but you can download the app and become a member and make it four hours free.
The verdict is still out whether a Rascals burger tops a Grill’d burger, and as a family we’ve had both good and bad experiences at both The Rooftop and The Corner.
So, let’s look at the facts…
Charlestown Square
Owner: Charlestown Square is owned by The GPT Group – General Property Trust.
History: It was first opened in 1979 and was the first shopping development in the Lake Macquarie region. It underwent extensions and modifications in 1983, 1989, 1996 and 2000, before a major redevelopment in 2010 and expansion in 2016. In 2019 The Corner was added to the complex.
Size: Of the two shopping centres, Charlestown Square covers the largest area, boasting 91,200 square metres. It is spread across three levels.
Shops: Charlestown Square, colloquially referred to as “Charlie” has 260 tenants, its exclusives include Apple, Rebel Sport, Strike Bowling Bar, LEGO and Best & Less. It has the only Myer department store in the region and boasts 100 fashion stores. Its ground floor is home to Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.
Charlestown Square attracts more than 13.2 million annual visitors.
Westfield Kotara
Owner: Westfield Kotara is owned by Scentre Group – which owns and operates the Australian and New Zealand Westfield shopping centre portfolio.
History: Westfield Kotara opened in 1965 as Kotara Fair before it was purchased by David Jones in 1971 and redeveloped. When its expansion was complete in 1974 it was renamed Garden City. In 1980 it was purchased by AMP and in 1988 underwent another expansion. In 2003, following the purchase of Garden City by the Westfield Group, the centre was renamed Westfield Kotara. In 2010 a development application was submitted to have the centre undertake a $12.5 million expansion to keep up with the new Charlestown Square that had opened the same year just 3km away. In late 2015, The Rooftop opened.
Size: The complex sprawls 82,462 square metres and is also spread across three levels.
Shops: Westfield Kotara has 273 specialty stores. Its big names include Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, and Target. It has the only David Jones in the region. Its exclusive stores include Aje, Seed, Black Pepper, Cue and Forcast.
Westfield Kotara attracts more than 6.9 million annual visitors.
Want to know which one is best? Lake Macquarie’s Charlestown Square or Newcastle’s Westfield Kotara?
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