The original Top Ryde Shopping Centre was opened on the current 3.5 hectare site on 14 November 1957 by the Premier of New South Wales Joe Cahill.
Yeoman came up with the idea of the apricot brick and the windowless building with vertical divisions, while Benjamin sketched the layout for retailing.
[citation needed] Woolworths was opened in 1963 in addition to the expansion of the centre which also included a variety store, several speciality shops and another 200 car parking spaces.
[citation needed] The centre underwent refurbishment and redevelopment in 1986 and changed its name to Top Ryde Shopping Square.
[citation needed] Stage 1 was opened on 5 November 2009, consisting of around 115 stores including Woolworths, Big W, Dan Murphy's and JB Hi-Fi.
[citation needed] Stage 3 was completed which consisted of the Myer department store and additional fashion outlets within the La Strada opened on 4 August 2010.
[citation needed] Top Ryde City had its official opening on 20 August 2010 which was presided over by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
The development of the project encountered a number of problems, including issues of worker safety in the surrounding roads[9] and a near fatal workplace accident.
The seven-tower residential complex is home to more than 600 residents and positioned above Top Ryde City Shopping Centre with views to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains and North Shore.
[26] The major retailers include Big W, Kmart, Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, TK Maxx, JB Hi-Fi, Rebel, Fitness First, Timezone & Zone Bowling and Event Cinemas.