Forgotten shopping strip: Remembering Penrith Mall (1985 – 1996)

The pedestrian mall stood between 1985 and 1996. Photo: Penrith City Library.
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Did you know that High Street was closed to traffic between Woodriff Street and Station Street for many years?

The controversial ‘Penrith Mall’ would be remembered by many long-term locals.

A decision was made in the early 1980s to close High Street between Woodriff and Station Streets to traffic.

Construction of the mall in 1985. Photo: Penrith City Library.

The idea was to open up a vibrant pedestrian mall that would not only feature various shopping options but also outdoor dining and events.

The mall would open on November 16, 1985.

The opening day of Penrith Mall in 1985. Photo: Penrith City Library.

The slogan used during this time was “It’s bright, it’s friendly, it’s yours!”.

To go along with this, a series of bright canopies were also featured throughout the mall.

The opening day of Penrith Mall in 1985. Photo: Penrith City Library.

The NSW Premier Neville Wran officially opened the Mall.

The concept stayed in place for more than a decade, but never really won locals over.

The pedestrian mall stood between 1985 and 1996. Photo: Penrith City Library.

The mall would be closed and High Street reopened to traffic in September 1996.

Despite its closure, many of the arcades built as part of the pedestrian mall remain in place today.

Re-opened to traffic: High Street in 1997. Photo: Penrith City Library.

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