Mandurah Forum's Sun Forum Closes After 31 Years for Major Redevelopment
A beloved family-owned restaurant that has been a staple of the Mandurah Forum since 1995 has officially closed its doors today, marking a bittersweet end to a 31-year legacy. Sun Forum Asian Cuisine, operated by the Wu family, is among several businesses affected by the shopping centre's ambitious plans to transform its indoor food court into a new international retailer and upgraded communal area.
The closure comes as part of the centre's long-term strategy to evolve and enhance the customer experience. Centre management confirmed the redevelopment project, which will introduce a new international retailer and a new communal seating area near Woolworths, creating a welcoming space for the community and supporting a diverse retail mix. While social media speculation suggests the new arrival could be cut-price retailer TK Maxx, PerthNow has contacted TK Maxx for comment, but the company has yet to address the rumours.
Timeline and Transformation Details
Works on the redevelopment are expected to commence later this month, with the new seating area planned to open ahead of the July school holidays. The project also includes significant changes to the alfresco dining area, where the current water feature will be removed to make way for additional seating and a dedicated kids zone. These outdoor works are anticipated to be completed by June, with current outdoor retailers continuing to trade throughout the construction period.
Additionally, the centre plans to relocate an outdoor playground adjoining the food court, though formal plans have not been finalised yet. Prior to the closure, only five spaces in the food court remained occupied by retailers: Bucking Bull, Skewerz, Three Grains, Matsu Sushi, and Sun Forum Asian Cuisine.
Family's Decision and Community Impact
Alyssa Wu, an employee and daughter of Sun Forum owner Fai Wu, revealed that while the restaurant was given advance notice of the closure in November, they were not informed of the specific shutdown date until last month. "We knew it was coming, but no one told us exactly when," Miss Wu said. "It was definitely disappointing to hear, but the food court itself wasn't very busy; a lot of places had gradually shut down over the past few years."
A Forum spokesperson stated that standard commercial leasing processes were followed, with open and respectful communication maintained within confidentiality bounds. Retailers were offered opportunities to explore alternative arrangements within the centre, including relocation options, with outcomes based on individual business circumstances. One impacted retailer has already relocated within Mandurah Forum.
However, for the Wu family, the decision to close and retire made more sense than relocating. "It just made more sense for them to retire rather than having to pick up and move, then retire later down the line," Miss Wu explained. She described the closure as bittersweet, especially for her father, who often worked seven days a week and had grown accustomed to the Forum's daily rhythms and loyal customers.
Heartfelt Farewells and Lasting Legacy
In its final week of business, Sun Forum displayed a sign for customers stating, "It has been a pleasure to have served you, not only as customers, also friends. Sadly, we are closing soon. We will miss seeing you all. Goodbye from all of us at Sun Forum." A card left out for customers to sign was filled with emotional messages from the community.
One customer wrote, "Never wanted this day to come. For 31 years, I have been getting delicious food from you. Wishing you all the best for your future, will miss you immensely." Another added, "You will always be remembered. You make the best in the west, and we will so miss you all."
Miss Wu expressed how rewarding it was to see the restaurant's impact on the local community. "My dad watched as some of the people who came in as kids matured and started bringing their own kids in," she said. "When you take a step back and look at the big picture, it really is heart-warming. We lasted through countless forum renovations, a pandemic; we definitely wouldn't have still been here without the customers."
The closure of Sun Forum marks the end of an era for Mandurah Forum, as the centre moves forward with its redevelopment plans aimed at revitalising the retail and dining experience for visitors. The transformation underscores the ongoing changes in the retail landscape, balancing modernisation with the sentimental value of long-standing local businesses.
