An abandoned shopping mall has been slammed as “pathetic” and “sad” as shoppers avoid it and retailers await a proposed $350 million renovation.
The Morley Galleria in Perth’s north-east has been emptied of businesses and customers after a planned renovation fell through.
Since 2020, more than 10 retailers and restaurants, including McDonald’s, have left due to a lack of customers.
Only a few stores remain, including the clothing and shoe stores Valleygirl and Foot Locker.
Locals on social media called the centre a “disaster”.
“The stalls and shops are pitiful, the upper floor is deserted and terribly sad,” someone wrote.
“The Galleria is absolutely horrible these days…the toilets are disgusting…there are almost no dining options, no food courts and many shops are closed,” wrote someone else.
The mall’s management has been accused of abandoning the once thriving institution.
The Morley Galleria (pictured), in Perth’s northeast, is empty of businesses and customers as it awaits a planned upgrade
“The Galleria is an unmitigated failure, the result of the greed of its owners,” wrote one person.
“What a disaster this is… I remember when it opened it meant so much to the community,” said someone else.
Four years ago, the center was set to undergo a multi-million dollar redevelopment.
Property manager Vicinity Centres was commissioned to oversee the project.
A management spokesperson said the upgrade has been postponed until retail conditions improve as the cost of living crisis affects people’s spending power.
“Vicinity Centres is working hard to deliver on its commitments to the revitalisation of Galleria and to deliver a modern centre that meets the retail, entertainment and leisure needs of the community,” the spokesperson said. Perth now.
“Our priority is to continue to support our retailers and customers and we look forward to continuing our planned investment in the future of Galleria.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Vicinity Centres for further comment.
Bayswater City Council CEO Jeremy Edwards told the newspaper the council had not received any updates on the upgrade.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the council has been lobbying for the improvements for years.
The shopping center (pictured) was set to undergo a massive $350 million redevelopment four years ago
“The lack of progress on the Morley Galleria redevelopment is extremely disappointing for our community,” she said.
‘The Galleria was once a jewel in Vicinity’s crown, but is in dire need of renovation.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the council and Ms Piffaretti for further comment.
The Morley Galleria opened in 1994 and still houses major supermarkets and retailers including Coles, Woolworths and Myer.
The centre was last modernised in 2008.