This year, Highpoint celebrates a golden milestone - 50 years at the heart of the west.
Since first opening its doors on the 2nd September 1975, Highpoint has grown alongside its community, evolving from a suburban shopping centre into one of Melbourne’s leading destinations for retail, dining, and lifestyle.
Across five decades, Highpoint has become more than just a place to shop. It’s where friendships have begun, first jobs have taken shape, and generations have created lasting memories. From fashion runways to footy clinics, cinema dates to community festivals – Highpoint has always been where the west comes together.
This commemorative broadsheet honours the stories, milestones, and shared moments that have shaped our journey. Inside, you’ll find a nostalgic look back at key chapters in Highpoint’s history - from archival imagery to customer reflections, retailer memories, and a few surprises you may not have known.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to 50 years of Highpoint and many more to come.
as the City of
An anti-aircraft
factory operated on the site during World War II for protection of the surrounding military bases and ammunition works in Maidstone and Maribyrnong.
The 50-acre site was previously a quarry, as can be seen by the quarry cliff face walls of the lower carparks. The land was sold by the City of Essendon for $1.85 million in April 1971 (according to the Moonee Valley weekly), with permission also required from the
the
Highpoint West opened in September 1975. It was built by Development Underwriting Ltd. for $12,000,000. Originally named “Westland” to fit in with other shopping centres, Northland, Southland, etc., it opened as “Highpoint West”. It was later renamed “Highpoint City”, and then just “Highpoint”. Until 2006, Highpoint was wholly owned by Melbourne’s Besen family (also owners of the Sussan retail chain). In 1975, another anchor was added to Highpoint: the Target Discount Department Store, developed on the southern boundary as a freestanding addition to the shopping centre.
The centre was in its post-opening growth phase with Myer and large format tenants, while the surrounding precinct featured the busy Maribyrnong drive-in and was on a path that, through the 1980s, led to the homemaker centre development.
The expansion of the mall continued, building a bridge across the quarry and connecting the original and the freestanding Target buildings. This included a food court, in itself a milestone, as one of the first food courts developed in Australia. Designed to create a winter garden, with a substantial glazed wall to take advantage of a spectacular view over the Maribyrnong River Valley with the backdrop of the Melbourne city skyline—responding to a brief to admit as much natural light as possible without direct sunlight at any point. In 1987, the expansion of the Level 2 mall continued to the south to the point of the edge of the former quarry. This mall was anchored by Billy Guyatts, a Franklins supermarket, and a fresh-food precinct.
The southern expansion to create an entertainment offer on the lower level was completed, consisting of an early Multiplex cinema development with a Hoyts screen anchoring food-based retail.
The second entertainment offering developed the fresh food and discount supermarket including electronic games, mini golf, carousels, playground, pokies, gaming and a 3 level atrium/amphitheatre.
The upper levels were converted to offices, creating a mixed use precinct within the mall, coupled with a renovation to improve specialty retail. A refurbishment of the original shopping centre created a refreshed look and feel, including an upgrade of all furniture.
A new masterplan created an allowance of 91,500 sqm. This allowed for a massive overhaul, the creation of galleria mall, car parks (with multiple entry points), the creation of a new food court and the development of the speciality retail offering (in a larger format than usual). A classic galleria of high quality, the new development created a strong landscape statement with in situ palms and a range of decorative low-level planting with a large concealed and decorative lighting element.
In 1997, six new cinemas were added (including two blockbuster auditoriums), and car parking was increased beyond 700 spaces.
The entertainment precinct at the south was redeveloped into a youth fashion mall and connected through various precincts into Myer in the north. This included the first ‘externalisation’ of the mall giving a street address for various cafes, restaurants and bars.
A collaborative approach was taken with Council to develop the area, particularly a shared carpark for the new aquatic centre. Extension and redevelopment continued, externalising the mall, creating a main street feel in a contemporary manner for lifestyle and homewares retailers. In March 2006, the GPT (General Property Trust) Group purchased a 50% stake and management rights in the centre for about A$621.2 million. In September 2017, GPT bought the remaining 50% of Highpoint for $680 million. The Highpoint complex was independently valued at $2.3 billion in late 2016.
Highpoint Shopping Centre marked a major milestone with the completion of its Northwest Precinct expansion, adding around 100 new specialty stores, including a new David Jones and international fashion heavyweights like Chanel and Zara. This redevelopment also introduced a strong focus on lifestyle, dining, and experience-driven retail, transforming the centre into more than just a shopping destination. A vibrant new restaurant precinct, expanded Level 1 dining and entertainment zone, and alfresco spaces invited longer visits and social connection, firmly establishing Highpoint as a social and cultural hub for Melbourne’s west.
Work on a major expansion for Highpoint began in December 2010, part of a redevelopment project that would later add 30,000 m² of retail space, the introduction to Melbourne’s western suburbs’ first David Jones, and over 1,000 more car spaces. This project eventually opened in stages between 2012 and 2013. This redevelopment was notable not just for size but for its architectural vision, a new “Eco Mall” design featuring extensive natural ventilation, clerestory windows, a floating roof inspired by the Maribyrnong River, and strong sustainability credentials such as rainwater harvesting and energy savings.
The centre underwent major aesthetic and structural upgrades between 2020 and 2023, including a $32.5 million refurbishment of over 10,000 m². Key changes included new flooring, lighting, and lifts completed from 2021 to 2023, a redesigned water feature installation finished in 2022, and an upgraded Hoyts cinema and dining precinct developed throughout the entire period.
Highpoint celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades as the pinnacle of the west and one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations. Now the third largest fashion and shopping destination in the country, with over 450 stores including leading Australian and international designer fashion, homewares and lifestyle brands, Highpoint continues to deliver a world-class retail experience. Its legacy is deeply tied to the local community, evolving from a suburban centre into a cultural and commercial landmark. Looking ahead, a transformative 30-year plan is underway to redevelop Highpoint into a vibrant mixeduse urban village featuring retail, office, community spaces, open green areas and housing, securing its place at the heart of Melbourne’s west for generations to come.
Highpoint Shopping Centre are there any photos of the old winding walkway that went from the underground carpark to levels. It also originally had a water feature at the bottom.It was where the central staircase and lift now are.
Kay Mac
I got a job in the office at Myer not long after it opened. I remember Target was way over the other side on its own and you had to walk outside to get to it.
Janet Leckie
So many memories but it’s funny to think that I met my husband around midnight when working the 24 hour Christmas shift at Highpoint when it first started. He came into the store I was working and the rest is now history. That was 21 years ago.
Ruby Darwish
I was working at Woolly’s the day HP opened. We had training there before it opened to the public.
Dionne Russell
I’ve got lots from when the Spice Girls came to open up the Cinemas!!!
Jodie Regan
I once followed Marina Prior for her autograph and she refused. I wish I had photos of old Highpoint. I assume GPT group would have many. But they never release them. It would be nice to see Highpoint of old and Highpoint of present.
Kate Procter
Worked at Peppins Pharmacy when it first opened!!!!!
Ruth O’Meara
My favourite shop as a kid was the Darrel Lea store near the food court.
Tessa-Rae Gusman
I remember seeing Young Talent Time there.
Kerry Butler
I started there in 1975 on the top floor of myers soft furnishings.
Debbie Addicott
Worked at Collins Booksellers a long long time ago. It was my first part-time job.
David Whiting
I remember walking from Target to rest of the stores thinking, wouldn’t it be good if they joined Target to the rest of it. I remember the netball also. So many courts.
Dianne Seiffert
I remember as a teenager doing school band on the stage. We played on the stage twice.
Sarah Jarman
I remember putting a ball on the 8th overshot it and the ball ended up at Cinema 12.
Pat Schirripa
I remember when that site was a drive-in!
Used to play on the swings in my pj’s before the movies started.
Lisa Buckland
I remember Highpoint being the place to be for meet and greets with singers and can’t forget when the Spice Girls took over ground floor.
Belinda Georgieski Atanasovska
The golf course was the best.
Jenet She She
I remember putting a ball on the 8th overshot it and the ball ended up at Cinema 12.
Pat Schirripa
Called “Highpoint West “ when it first opened.
David Bayley
I’ve been coming to Highpoint from Bendigo for over 40 years, my mum used to take my grandparents and I there for a day out, and we loved it! I remember when it was Highpoint West, and the little river that flowed through the food court in the 80’s, I thought it was fab! So many memories, I have spent a few of my mums birthdays there since she passed, because I know she would have loved that.
During my university days (25 years ago) I lived at the student village, so Highpoint was my local then. I will be coming again Friday as a bit of a special trip, we haven’t been in a long while, usually get there once or twice a year.
Tabitha Abbott
I remember when that site was a drive-in! Used to play on the swings in my pj’s before the movies started.
Lisa Buckland
Ahhh that golf course. What a time! thedorkotas
The fountain will always be remembered. victoriamatheson_
I miss the stage where local dance schools and other local entertainers would come perform! alyciainc
Meet and greets Boyzone, West life, Spice Girls & Backstreet Boys.
Sally Gearing
The golf course was the best. Jenet She She
I remember it had like golden wooden slates on the roof over the escalators.
Matthew McCarthy
I worked at Brashs for the opening week.
Leanne Hodgson
Did meet Home and away cast. Tevin Campbell, Dylan Lewis, saw the Spice Girls in their limo.
Kate Procter
I remember watching the Presidents of the United States play a 3 song set.
Benjamin Edwin Janes
My husband’s family had there fruit shop downstairs as did my cousins family. That was at least 40 years ago.
Josie Ferraro
I basically grew up in Highpoint. My Grandparents lived on Raleigh Rd, then moved to Warrs Road (the Highpoint end) when I was 8. Spent every school holidays with them. My Grandma would take me over there almost daily. I loved the Pirate Ship they had near JB HiFi, the old stage where Santa would be every Christmas and they would have pantomimes every school holidays. I remember the old food court (pre-McDonald’s) where the highlight was the fish and chip shop. And Grandma would always take me to Donut King (near Harris Scarf now) and let me eat the foam off her cappuccino. Toys R Us also a highlight.
Jell Woolacott-Radford
I started there in 1975 on the top floor of myers soft furnishings.
Debbie Addicott
I was looking through my old photos the other day and found a photo of that old fountain sculpture! Ahahaha so cool!
jacinta.dee
Kaylea Miller, Fiona Johnson, MeiLing Clucas Egan, Lisa Wyatt, Brad Clucas, Aaron Baulch.
Aaron Johnson-Miller
And centre stage where all the celebrities performed their singles. I remember meeting Ricky Martin there for the first time, before he reached stardom.
Emily Ciccarelli
Remember when it was called Highpoint west! When it had Billy gyatts, sanity, the spiral staircase in the middle, the fountain, the best hot potato chips at Mr Potato Man, and cinnamon scrolls at St.Cinnamon! Those were the best days!Congratulations Highpoint Shopping Centre!
Dee N Greg Almeida
We loved going as kids getting the pastizzi from a cafe across the road from Toys R Us @Hannah Ibrahim.
Lydia Eastwood
@Maureen Ginivan Our home away from home. Sonia Sporton
I remember when you used to have singers come and perform and do signings next to where JB Hi-Fi is. I saw Destiny’s Child, Mandy Moore, Human Nature, Steps and Whigfield.
Lara Lara
I remember back in the 90s Hoyts open its first cinemation Motion simulator ride I remember it but man the amount of times I spent begging my mum to ride the motion simulator ride!
Matthew Ferguson
Can’t forget good old Santa every Xmas! Chantal Slater
I loved the big circular indoor ramp - they never should have got rid of that.
Christine Baldrey
I remember going there with my Nana. Going grocery shopping then having lunch then the newsagent. Then back home waiting for the delivery to come best shopping centre. Georgina Stock
The Presidents of the United states played live, great show.
David O’Connell
I worked there at McEwans as a teenager not long after it opened, and saw Johnny O’Keefe perform. I think it was his last performance before he died. Debra Van Praagh Digby
Omg the circular stairs how did I forget about this. sweetaholicbeauty
This is how I remember my trips to Highpoint shopping centre when I was a little girl. sashiasweetiepie
Would be great to see some photos of the billiard centre that used to be opposite Timezone downstairs near the theatre. I enjoyed many hours playing pool there for $2 a game. Can’t remember what year it was though.
Melinda Becker
Does anyone else remember Happy Days restaurant on level 1. Initially it used to be right next to stage but eventually moved further around the other side near Hoyts. Always ate at that place. great food and olden day music. Hoyts also used to have a cinema ride where the seats moved to the roller coaster on the screen. Cinemotion it was called anyone remember that?
Caz Aquilina
I loved it when new singers would perform downstairs and sign autographs. Some became quite famous. Also, absolutely loved the mini golf as a kid. Mum would always take me there. When i tell my kids there was a big mini golf downstairs they say they wish it was there so they could play.
Melissa Vella
I remember the dancing girls on the main stage on school holidays, that was my entertainment, oh and 3 dim sims from the take away shop afterwards.
Zoyee Kartalis
I loved the ’90s setup. I wish we could all go back to the 90s when life was soo much more beautiful.
Geral Dean
I worked at Esprit in 1989.
Simo Simo
I remember watching Delta Goodrem performing when she first started out on Neighbours and singing when someone dropped an oily brown take away bag scrunched up, from the upper levels at her and watching security wrestle them.
Paul Raymond
My mum worked for Waltons department store . Mum would drop me off at primary school then walk through the paddocks to Highpoint.
Victoria Lee Briffa
My parents had a shop here in the early days first in the old section next to the old Bevilles then in the ‘new section’ near Tony Bianco. I grew up at Highpoint Shopping Centre. I am sure I have photos somewhere but it is pretty special. The first store was called Apple Tree Boutique. When the centre first opened.
Emz Dinoto
I remember Tuckerbag—Mum’s groceries were packed in brown paper bags.
Victoria Lee Briffa
So many memories. This was the “city” for us, I’m 42 shortly and have been going to Highpoint Shopping Centre since the 80s. Met my now husband there, and if we need to do shopping, this is where we go.
Tennille Randello
I remember the bottom level being a market with Payless supermarket. We used to go every Friday to do our shopping there.
Rachel Sergiou
It’s the triple story spiral ramp that I remember from my childhood. I wonder if there are any photos of it.
Rachel Jade Luong
Liz Nightingale when Target was separate to the rest of the centre.
Katrina Maree
Yerp opened Toys R Us there years ago. Great times. belindawebb21
I used to love the Spiral walkway that was in front of Myer.
Viki Krstevski Pearse
Remember them having Walton’s and Venture shops.
Paul Babatsikos
I went to the opening of Highpoint. I was 6 months pregnant with my 1st child.
Annette Ick
My first trip to Highpoint was for the opening of the first Australian @disney store… we drove from Berwick to go and experience the magic of Disney! Now I’m proud to say HP is my local and I’m there 3 times a week!
muminmelbourne
Have you got pictures from The Old Glass Lifts with Spiral Staircase from Long Time Ago. benbradshaw2000
That mini golf course was awesome as a kid. Tractor was hole 5! bomber_613
I remember destiny’s child performing there and how stunning Beyonce is in person.
nicki_alyce
Does anyone else remember the cafeteria in Myer? As a treat we would go and get a toastie and juice when shopping at Highpoint. They had full-blown roasts and buffet of food to purchase. Good memories. Would love to see photos of the old cafeteria. jess.dirago
Still remember the Disney Store (the OG one) deep in my heart! Also not sure if there was Chandlers, and I still wonder how different the Riverbank Food Court looked like before a major overhaul in the mid 2000s. So many different changes and milestones!!
rabidleroyplz
Bazzards pool hall was the best!!! Show a photo of it!! jacquelineparas_
They had the best performances back then. lizabet_1906
Need a photo of that spiral ramp between levels where the glass elevator is now.
thegartenofeaten
Love this and love Highpoint. Please post more throwback photos, especially of the old riverbank food court. benjaminballos
The old photos are fantastic. Share more please. I remember doing our fruit and veg shop in the undercover car park market most weeks. lozzamck
I remember my mum being 5 months pregnant to my sister we went to the opening .. Myer was always her favourite shop. vikilee1970
I need to see photos of that tunnel thing that was in Hoyts! hotdogloz
I love how in all the retro shopping centre pics in Aus- THERES ALWAYS A SUSSAN! samuelchimon
Love the old pics especially on the car park with an old car. nurhayani8552
Thank goodness we have such a great Shopping Centre so close we know we are getting what we need when we visit. celebrantsharon
I remember when you used to have singers come and perform and do signings next to where JB Hi-Fi is. I saw Destiny’s Child, Mandy Moore, Human Nature, Steps and Whigfield. xlarsmakx
Wow!! Same age as me. I grew up coming to Highpoint shopping with my mum and grandma every week and I still go every week. I remember they had a dance school where Glassons is. annamastra
Where are the pictures of the carousel in the food court and the all you can eat. jacquelineparas_
The best acts in front of Happy Days! curlyjla
Omg the fountain, always had such fond memories of my grandfather taking me there and giving me silver coins to throw in and make a wish. So special looking through these old photos! huynhsweethome
I remember seeing the band President of the United States. I also worked there while at uni in the Party Room down near Hoyts. I did work experience in PR at centre management then stayed working there through uni as a general dogsbody. The tales I could tell from the 90s! myownmrdarcy
I wish someone had a picture of the old food court. The OG where there was like only 30 tables which is insane to think about now! moniica_chen
Please Bring back some new @homeandaway celebrities for meet and greet!! tristanbal21
Omg I remember doing a performance with my primary school choir. Wow memories! prattiwari
I grew up just around the corner and went on the opening day with my late parents. Lots of memories there! unpurrfection
Ahh that spiral staircase near McEwans hardware. sonialaba
I saw the Spice Girls at the Spice Girls movie premiere in the Highpoint movies! stefaniechimirri
Loving the throwbacks! That original food court with the fountain. Nostalgia feels. Love Highpoint. dexandlanikidsandliving
I remember when so many famous singers and TV personalities like YTT came to Highpoint and the crowds where big and amazing. agathi_kazsav
I have lived 500 metres away from HP my whole life and have been there from the start. I remember having to walk across to Target. HP used to have its own dancing school (Vogue - owned by Meryl & Graham Thomas) and we used to perform on the original centre court stage. It was the best.
Sonia Sporton
Wow!! I remember living soo close, that Highpoint pretty much became my second home there. So amazing to see how much it’s changed & developed over the years!! Happy Birthday! missnoblemelbourne
I used to play netball there on Saturday afternoons that was in the car park area that I think is where the pictures are. max.the.husky
Both my grandparents lived in the same street nearby and before Highpoint was built we would walk along the footpath and look down through the fence into the big quarry. Watched it build up out of the ground. Spent many a day there with my mum and siblings. Often we would go to the Myer cafeteria for a treat after school.
My 1st job was at Snowdeli which was a delicatessen near the stage. Im pretty sure back in the day it was located in what is the empty space that is above the stage area now. Jacquie Clarke
I miss the stage where local dance schools and other local entertainers would come perform. alyciainc
I remember Playtime on the ground level with mini golf where the sushi train is now. Back when they had the stage they had on it on both ends so where they have stairs now but also used to be where the original escalators where if you look in the before image they had like talent quest shows so people would register a performance with Highpoint talent quest. My friend Julia and I made a dance and we went on talent quest lol. Lisa Butler
Show 90s Highpoint with the huge merry go round at one end and the pirate ship, mini golf and train in front of playtime. I miss the Highpoint of my childhood.
Rachael June-Mary Harrigan
I used to love being a part of the Peppermint Planet club for kids!
Leah Petrykow
I remember putting a ball on the 8th overshot it and the ball ended up at Cinema 12.
Pat Schirripa
Myer has been a cornerstone of Highpoint Shopping Centre since its early days, serving the community since opening its doors in 1975.
Over the years, Myer Highpoint has marked key milestones, including its dedicated in-store cafeteria in the 1970s that offered shoppers a welcoming place for meals and refreshments. The store has continually adapted to centre redevelopments, introduced new retail concepts, and hosted major brands. From fashion parades to celebrity visits, Myer’s innovative experiences have helped cement its place as a flagship destination in Melbourne’s west.
A key part of Myer Highpoint’s story is its remarkable team. Maxine Clarke, the store’s longest-serving team member, joined on 30th September 1981 and celebrates 44 years of dedicated service. Close behind, Elizabeth Vlavianos started on 10th June 1982, bringing 43 years of energy and commitment.
These longstanding team members are proud testaments to Myer’s positive workplace culture and enduring connection with local shoppers.
Hoyts Highpoint has been a key entertainment destination in Melbourne’s west since opening in February 1989 as the area’s first multiplex cinema with 10 screens.
Key milestones include expanding to 14 screens in 1997, introducing Australia’s first Iwerks TurboRide motion simulator in the late 1990s, and further upgrades throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Hoyts Highpoint now boasts 17 screens, including IMAX and premium Director’s Suite cinemas, keeping pace with evolving entertainment trends.
The nearby drive-in remains a fond local memory, symbolising the area’s long-standing love for movies and community experiences, a legacy that Hoyts Highpoint proudly carries forward.
Over the decades, Highpoint has played host to global superstars!
1. Destiny’s Child performed in the early 2000s, drawing huge crowds.
2. Spice Girls made appearances during the height of Spicemania in the late 90s.
3. Human Nature performed regularly in the 90s and early 2000s.
4. Silverchair did intimate gigs and signings in the 90s.
5. Natalie Imbruglia performed live in the late 90s.
6. Westlife visited during early 2000s promo tours.
7. Kylie Minogue made special appearances in the 90s.
8. Savage Garden played early-career shows in the late 90s.
9. Delta Goodrem performed during her early 2000s rise.
10. S Club 7 appeared during international tours.
11. Avril Lavigne performed at HMV Highpoint in 2004.
12. Khloé Kardashian launched her shoe line here.
13. Sarah Jessica Parker visited in 2019.
Enjoy a free cupcake and exclusive retailer discounts as we celebrate on Saturday 13 September. PLUS, don’t miss your chance to win a $5,000 major prize and $500 weekly prizes!