WOLLONGONG ADVERTISER
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Everywhere you look in Wollongong Central there are stunning architectural and artistic features.
The generous use of natural light, timber, large food court windows which open, the quirky addition of thousands of colanders and rolling pins - these are elements unlike anything seen before in the Illawarra.
"GPT has really been influenced by the community to transform this building into what you see today," centre manager Nathan Yeo said.
"We're very, very proud of what we've delivered."
Mr Yeo said natural light and ventilation were important to reduce operating costs.
There was also a conscious effort to use BlueScope Steel products. More than 600 people built the centre, many locals. At full capacity the centre will employ 800.
By the numbers
■ 80 new stores over three levels
■ 650 new parking spaces
■ Velvet Water artwork by Maria Fernanda Cardoso features 40,000 white nylon rods
■ 3000 colanders in lower ground floor ceiling
■ 5000 rolling pins used on columns