Caddens Corner

Caddens Corner is a new local shopping centre in Western Sydney. It’s a thriving hub which contains a mix of retail, commercial and community spaces, providing valuable services to the growing community in Caddens and its surrounding areas.

nettletontribe was engaged by Western Sydney University to design a new shopping centre on a former drive-in cinema to service the needs of the community. The new development of Caddens Corner is 13,000sqm, comprising of a semi-open mall, outdoor dining precinct and carpark. The mall includes a full-line Woolworths supermarket, specialty retail shops, childcare centre, and medical centre. The outdoor dining precinct includes a community area connected to an expansive terrace and interactive water play areas to engage patrons. The mixture of dynamic spaces provides convenience to the local community and support the expanding population.

The built form was designed to respond to the site context, neighbouring developments, existing vegetation, and topography. The main entrance makes a dramatic statement with the awning structure drawing design inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape as it filters natural light and shelters from the inclement weather. The semi-open mall is naturally ventilated and orientated to maximise controlled solar access reducing the reliance on air conditioning, which in turn reduces carbon impact and operating costs. A solar farm covering the main roof areas further reduces the centre’s reliance on grid power and helps to lower the overall carbon footprint of the site. The materiality further reflects the project’s immediate context with the use of brick, timber and COR-TEN referencing the natural environments. As of 2022, Caddens Corner has achieved a goal in receiving certification as 5 Star Green Star.