The abandoned suburb isn't crying over the one that got away. Instead, residents are looking to all the exciting possibilities a vacant lot of this size can offer the region.

We asked our readers how they would like to see the site repurposed, and the suggestions ranged from the predictable (IKEA) to the seriously ambitious (a giant indoor water park).

Flick through the gallery above to read the top 30 responses.

Read more: 'No more retail': What next for abandoned Bunnings site in Warrawong

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.