Crime

When will Bondi Junction Westfield reopen? Westfield to remain closed, vehicle retrieval continues

Westfield Bondi Junction, the site of Saturday’s horror massacre, will reopen tomorrow for “a day of reflection” without retail trade before beginning to resume normal business on Friday.

The centre has been closed since Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured a dozen more in a stabbing spree just after 3pm on Saturday.

Scentre Group Chief Executive Elliot Rusanow provided an update on Westfield’s reopening plans at a press conference this morning.

Bondi stabbing attack Sydney
Westfield Bondi Junction became the site of a mass stabbing in which six people were killed. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) (AP)

Sea of tributes shows shaken city’s grief

“We have been very considered in our plans to reopen the centre in a way that’s respectful to the victims, their families and all in the community grieving,” Rusanow said.

“There will be no retail trade tomorrow, instead the centre will be open for members of the community to visit the centre, to walk through the centre, and to pay their respects.”

Rusanow said the centre will open between 11 am and 5 pm with a section of the centre reserved for flower and wreath laying.

During that time “quiet settings” will be in place, the centre will not play music and a “black ribbon” symbol will be displayed instead of advertising to honour the victims.

Rusanow said trading will resume on Friday for retailers who choose to reopen with an increased security presence at the centre.

Rusanow said trading will resume on Friday for retailers who choose to reopen with an increased security presence at the centre. (Nine)

“It will be their choice on that day and it will be their choice when they do so,” he said.

Rusanow said all of the victim’s families were offered the opportunity to come to the centre to grieve privately.

”We have had members of the victims’ families, all victims’ families were offered the opportunity of coming to the centre,” he said.

“It’s a private matter for those victims’ families in choosing whether they would come and I won’t go into the specifics of who came but I will say members did come.

“I was with those families yesterday. It was a very emotional experience.”

Flowers are placed outside Westfield Shopping mall in honour of the victims on April 16, 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia. Six victims, plus the offender, who was shot by police at the scene, are dead following a stabbing attack at Westfield Shopping Centre Bondi Junction in Sydney on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The centre resumed its vehicle retrieval process this morning for those who were forced to abandon their cars during Saturday’s attack.

Between 8 am and 6pm, drivers are advised to attend the centre access point at the Westfield Tower 1 Lobby on Oxford Street where they will be met by staff members.

”The team will ask for your number plate to find your vehicle’s location in our system,”

“The team will provide directions to your vehicle. This may be via a different route than you are familiar with.”

During this period, the car park’s boom gates will be raised and there will be no charge for parking.

For further information on vehicle collection customers are encouraged to email customer support or visit the Westfield website.

If you’re struggling, know that help is available 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.

MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

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