A bold new vision for Westfield Garden State Plaza
This past week, we have announced a new vision for the future of Garden State Plaza, our flagship shopping destination in the heart of Bergen County (New Jersey, US). The project will reimagine the future of city-making and create an entirely new mixed-use city centre experience right next to the shopping centre. Luxury apartments, an upscale hotel, modern offices, a chef-driven restaurant district, and health-and-wellness amenities will become part of a whole new neighbourhood – all alongside three acres of reimagined and restored parks and open green spaces. The inclusion of a seasonal hockey rink, welcoming public plazas and neighbourhood gardens will further integrate the centre into the surrounding community and the residents will be able to benefit from the new amenities.
The multi-faceted Garden State Plaza neighbourhood will also become a local hub for events and entertainment, including everything from outdoor concerts to festivals where everyone in the local community can come together to meet up with family and friends.
“This is about community building. Garden State Plaza’s new public park will be a centrepiece and lead to an open-air plaza and adjoining fields, and the destination’s new residential neighbourhood will feature tree-lined streets and outdoor promenade. Even though we’re at the very start of this project, we’re incredibly excited to build something based on community feedback that can become the commercial and cultural heart of Bergen County.”
Stephen Fluhr, Westfield Garden State Plaza’s Vice-President of Development, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
The multi-year plan comes on the heels of major upgrades recently completed at the indoor shopping centre that include new dining, shops and play space, improved wi-fi and lighting and even a permanent contemporary art collection. The transformation will include additional family entertainment offerings, cutting-edge health and fitness studios, and a wider retail and dining offer.
The bold vision for Garden State Plaza’s future developed by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is part of a broader strategy to reimagine traditional shopping locations as places to live, work, relax and connect with the wider community. The plans also speak to the Group’s vision for sustainable development, as detailed in its Better Places 2030 CSR strategy.
