Kotara is known as one of Newcastle's largest retail destinations and is characterised by its family centred culture.

[3] In the late 19th century the Australasia Coal Company operated a mine near Kotara, in the valley below the present-day northern entrance to Tickhole Tunnel.

A private railway connected the screens with the Government line near the present-day triangle junctions north of Broadmeadow.

[4] It was originally designed to create a 'garden suburb' with high quality and quickly grew in population after 1947.

Across the road from Westfield is the Kotara Home Centre, consisting of big box department stores and food outlets.