If you lived in Campbelltown in the 70s, chances are you have fond memories of the iconic Downes Department Store on Queen Street. And through the 80s, many locals remember its next chapters: The Downes City Plaza and Spotlight Plaza.
Yesterday those memories were beautifully honoured with the unveiling of a photo history board and two commemorative plaques by Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound. One plaque marks the original opening of Downes Plaza in December 1984 by then Mayor Gordon Fetterplace, while the second has been newly commissioned by the current owners of Downtown Plaza, the Zios family, celebrating the legacy of a place that holds such a special spot in Campbelltown’s story.
Fittingly, this tribute came about through a chance reconnection. Event organiser Michael Chalker, who ran Chalker Music in the plaza for 35 years, connected with Derek Downes, son of the store’s founder. While travelling through Campbelltown in 2022, Derek noticed the building sitting empty after Spotlight vacated and reached out. With help from Darren Zammitt of LJ Hooker Commercial Macarthur, the idea to honour the site’s rich history began to take shape.
Sometimes the best stories come full circle, and this week Campbelltown paused to remember a business that was once at the heart of our community.
Video story coming soon with rare old footage & pics!
Click on the image below for more
