Norton Plaza

I’ve always considered Norton Plaza to be the main shopping centre of Leichhardt, it’s location, situated on the largest run of shops, café’s and restaurants gives it an air of supremacy above the nearby centre, Leichhardt Marketplace.
Many consider it the other way round, and they would be amazed to hear that I felt this way. But I guess I’ve always just gone to this centre for my shopping needs. Sure it has less in the way of boutique shops and there’s only one main supermarket/​department store in it compared to Marketplace’s three, but who wants to go to a massive shopping centre when all you need are a few things from Coles?
Norton Plaza comes equipped with everything you could hope to need from a shopping centre; a chemist, seafood, a butcher, clothes shops, fruit shops, cafes, it even has it’s a pub upstairs.
It may not be as grandiose as some shopping centres, but sometimes the last thing you want is grandiose and with two hours free parking, a quick trip to Norton Plaza trumps a long shopping day anywhere else.

I prefer Norton Plaza to the more revered Leichhardt Marketplace. It has all the basics: a supermarket, a pharmacy, a newsagent, a post office, a bottleshop, a two dollar shop, and a photo shop. Parking is generally never a problem, with the possible exception of on Saturdays, and you can slip in, gather up supplies and slip out. The grocery run takes me something like 30 minutes.
I realise that the Marketplace has an Aldi along with Target, a couple of banks and an EB Games. But truth be told, if you’re planning on shopping, you’re more likely to head to Broadway or even west to Westfield Burwood. After living in the area for over a year and working nearby for over two, I have been to Leichhardt Marketplace precisely twice. Don’t write the Plaza off — it has just enough of what you need to make it a compelling alternative. Or at least as compelling as a shopping plaza can be.

Not designed to give Leichhardt Marketplace (formerly Leichhardt Marketown) on nearby Marion Street a run for its money, although Norton Plaza is a cute shopping centre in itself with great establishments. It is convenient that there is a post office here, as well as a massive Coles supermarket. It is small and is designed as a great get in and get out type of establishment. Sorry, not the type of establishment to make a day out of it clothes shopping. Leichhardt Marketplace is slightly better suited for this purpose, although Broadway would be better for that.
A great place to buy those necessities, as well as a great vitamin store and butchery. Also their café right near Coles is great for a long lunch and a quality coffee if you need an immediate pit stop, and perhaps you wish to give outside Norton Street and the Italian Forum a bit of a breather.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare here, depending on when you come so it can be a little like a lucky dip; although if you have to you can always park at the nearby Italian Forum. Simple is something that is best for those busy professionals who want to get in and get out as quickly as possible. Not the type of shopping centre for socialising and entertainment.