A nearly deserted shopping centre has been branded “pathetic” and “sad” as retailers await a proposed $350 million makeover.
The Morley Galleria in north-east Perth is empty of businesses and customers after a planned redevelopment failed to materialise.
More than 10 retailers and restaurants, including McDonald’s, have closed since 2020 due to lack of foot traffic.
Only a few stores remain, including Valleygirl clothing and shoe stores and Foot Locker.
Locals took to social media to call the centre a “disaster”.
“The stalls and shops are pathetic, the upper floor is deserted and it’s terribly sad,” one person wrote.
“The Galleria is just horrible these days… the bathrooms are disgusting… there are almost no food outlets, no food courts (and many) stores have closed,” another person wrote.
Others blamed the mall’s management, saying they had let down the once-thriving establishment.
The Morley Galleria (pictured), in north-east Perth, is empty of businesses and customers as it awaits a planned refurbishment.
“The Galleria is an absolute failure due to the greed of its owners,” wrote one person.
“What a mess it is! I remember when it first opened; it was very promising for the community,” said another person.
The centre was due to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation four years ago.
The project was overseen by the property management company Vicinity Centres.
A spokesman for the department said the upgrade has been put on hold until retail market conditions recover.
“Vicinity Centres is working hard to deliver on its commitments to revitalise the Galleria and deliver a contemporary centre that meets the retail, entertainment and leisure needs of the community,” the spokesperson said. Perth now.
“Our priority is to continue supporting our retailers and customers, and we look forward to moving forward with plans to continue our planned investment in the future of Galleria.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Vicinity Centres for further comment.
Bayswater Council chief executive Jeremy Edwards told the paper the council had not received any update on the upgrade.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the council had been pushing for the improvements for years.
The mall (pictured) was set to undergo a massive $350 million renovation four years ago.
“The lack of progress on the Morley Galleria redevelopment is extremely disappointing to our community,” he said.
‘Once a jewel in Vicinity’s crown, the Gallery is in urgent need of renovation.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the council and Ms Piffaretti for further comment.
The Morley Galleria opened in 1994 and is still home to major supermarkets and retailers including Coles, Woolworths and Myer.
The centre was last modernised in 2008.
