[1] Charlestown Square opened on 27 March 1979 as a two level centre and featured Kmart, Coles and 50 speciality stores.

The upgrades occurred in 1983 and in 1989 which added a Grace Bros department store and the first modern food court known as ‘Charlie's Magic Eatery’.

Charlestown Square commenced the $470 million expansion after obtaining support from Lake Macquarie City Council in January 2008.

[5] The redevelopment was completed in October 2010 and featured 110 new specialty shops including Rebel Sport and JB Hi-Fi.

The major retailers include Myer, Big W, Target, Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Cotton On, H&M, Apple, JB Hi-Fi, Rebel, Timezone, Holey Moley, Strike Bowling Bar and Reading Cinemas.