Village Life

When was the last time you visited Waterford Plaza in Karawara? The business has just undergone a makeover and has marked the occasion with a name change – Village Green.

An influx of features including more shade, alfresco dining in a laneway-inspired precinct known as the High Street, bike racks, and charging stations for phones and laptops are among the new additions to the revamped shopping centre. Plus, a series of new art installations add a splash of colour to the area. 

LED artworks featuring artist Louise Monday’s thought-provoking ‘Redacted Poems’ create a statement above the outdoor area, while Kyle Hughes-Odgers has crafted a bold road mural that morphs into a life-size contemporary tree sculpture. Noongar artist Jarni McGuire’s undulating, interactive sculpture ‘Gnamma’ was inspired by traditional watering holes.

The shopping centre was originally known as Village Green when the Atzemis family purchased it in 1991. Over the years, their business has invested in expanding and refurbishing the shopping centre, but the latest improvements have been the centre’s most colourful and community-minded revamp to date.

Village Green owner Peter Atzemis said much had changed in the 12 years since the shopping centre’s last makeover, with new trends in shopping habits impacting the way people shop, stay local, and look for convenience. “Village Green reflects an urban centre with a village vibe, where locals can shop, dine, and socialise; somewhere they’ll be proud to call their own,” he said.

Village Green is on the corner of Kent Street and Manning Road, Karawara. It’s home to Coles, IGA, specialty stores, as well as food and dining. Healthy burger brand Grill’d is the latest big name to open at Village Green, while local restaurateur Tshering Gyeltshen at Druk has added traditional Bhutanese flavours to the new-look dining precinct.

To find out more, visit villagegreenperth.com.au.