Have no fear, the new Westfield is almost here. For many years now, many could not help but question when the outdated Westfield mall would be remodeled. Alas, the wait is over because earlier this year, the Carlsbad City Council unanimously voted for a large-scale renovation.

The 77-acre mall will now house brand-new retail destinations, a 12-screen regal Cinema, a 24 Hour Fitness with an indoor pool, a food court and a rooftop basketball court. In addition, the budget pays for interior renovations, such as new flooring, lighting, ceilings, handrails and other amenities.

“I’m glad the mall is being remodeled because the mall is currently kind of scary,” sophomore Victoria Smith said. “The shops are not very good, plus the whole mall could look better.”

As for the exterior, it will undergo cosmetic changes, which include a new exterior and landscaping. Not only will the mall itself look different, but its name will, too. By the fall of 2014, the Westfield Carlsbad should open.

Building something new often means the outdated must go. In 2005, Robinsons May closed its doors and left an enormous vacant building. Throughout its eight years of vacancy, the structure has been home to countless Halloween stores and even a cheer studio. Now, it will be torn down to make space for the new building. And with the addition of a 12 screen Regal Cinemas, the 10 screen Movie Max just a across the street from Westfield will shut down; similarly, the nearby 24 Hour Fitness will be replaced.

The remodeling aims to please Carlsbad residents. Although there are other malls located nearby, such as The Forum and The Outlets, the Carlsbad Westfield will accommodate community members of all ages and budgets. The council expresses its excitement to make the new Westfield a Carlsbad hot spot.

“I think people in Carlsbad have been waiting for the mall to be revamped and will be very excited to have an upgraded heater and a better looking place to shop,” Director of the City of Carlsbad Kathryn B. Dodson said.