The unprecedented waves of shoppers come after the third stage of the $414m redevelopment was opened on Thursday to the delight of thousands of rapt punters.

Stockland Greens Hills centre manager Chris Travers said he was “blown away” by the record-breaking figures. 

“All retailers have also had an overwhelming positive response with the majority of new stores exceeding their sales targets,” he said.

“We’ve been blown away by the customer visits and positive feedback from the community for this latest stage.” 

Mr Travers said Thursday’s opening saw three times the customers come through the door of the centre compared to the same day last year.

The hectic Thursday was followed up by the unveiling of a new inclusive playground on Saturday, specifically designed to allow all children to play together, including those with physical disabilities, vision, hearing and mobility impairments, or spectrum disorders such as autism.

Stockland will open a second feature playground in the final stage of development next year, to be located in the new indoor dining precinct to be dubbed The Courtyard.

The third stage opening also included the launch of a dedicated quiet room, a space designed to create a safe place for parents, carers and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing a calm, low sensory environment.

The final milestone opening is on track for March 2018, with Mr Travers confident a busy Christmas period looms before then. 

“We are looking forward to a very busy Christmas as customers enjoy the 75 new shops on offer,” he said. 

He said the final vision would see Stockland Greens “on par with any leading regional shopping centre in Australia”, on its way to becoming the premier retail and entertainment destination in the Hunter.

A 5,900 square metre Target, Lorna Jane, Universal Store, and The Body Shop were among the shops opened on Thursday. 

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