This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
BUILD-and-hold retail developer Sandhurst Retail has submitted plans to Whittlesea Council for a $40-million, 9,000 sqm neighbourhood shopping centre in Wollert, engaging Rotterdam-based architecture firm OMA for the design.
Located in one of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions, the project includes a full line supermarket alongside non-discretionary retail offerings that would focus on health and wellbeing like healthcare, pharmacies and social spaces, intended to promote community use and increase dwell time.
An estimated 200 construction jobs and more than 250 ongoing roles are tipped to be created.
Sandhurst Retail conducted a series of surveys in Wollert as part of the design process, along with dwell time and expenditure analysis of existing centres. It found 89% of respondents wanted to be able to access community services and retail in the one place, 95% believed it is important to have a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, 71% cited gym, sports, walking or running as their main interest in an open-form question, and 83% expressed a lack of carparking was a pain point in existing retail precincts.
A yoga studio, super clinic and community spaces that extend from indoor to outdoor will be included.
Sandhurst Retail director Vivek Subramanian says the appointment of OMA to design the Wollert Town Centre is reflective of the company’s long-term goals.
OMA’s regional director Paul Jones will lead the design team.
“We see many subregional centres that contribute positively in an economic context, but in terms of how they fit into the environment and how they contribute to the locale from a social and community perspective, there is certainly room to improve.”
“Our client recognises the common patterns and wants to rethink this type of project, taking on more responsibility and leaving behind a legacy that benefits the community beyond its immediate retail needs – we really identify with this vision,” he said.
Plans for the centre are currently with Council and works are expected to commence in 2023.
