- Published:
- Thursday 13 October 2016
Melbourne has strengthened its position as the nation’s capital for fashion, food and retail with the opening of the first and most significant retail stage of Chadstone Shopping Centre’s new $660 million redevelopment, which is set to create 2,200 new jobs.
By mid-2017, Chadstone will feature close to 600 retailers, a new state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema complex, a LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, a new 10-level, 17,000 sqm office tower, a centralised bus interchange and a total of 10,000 carparks.
The new development will feature Australia’s first ever glass gridshell roof and additional space to accommodate 60 new retailers, two new dining precincts and an expanded entertainment offer.
The Andrews Labor Government provided planning facilitation support for the project and also worked closely with Vicinity Centres and the Gandel Group to secure key tenants including international retailers H&M, Uniqlo and Reiss.
Retail continues to be one of Victoria’s most important employers, providing over 327,000 jobs across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Last financial year, Victoria’s retail turnover surpassed $74.7 billion, accounting for 5 per cent of Gross State Product. Over that period, retail sales grew by 4.8 per cent, comfortably eclipsing the national growth rate of 3.6 per cent.
As the home to internationally renowned events Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the Virgin Australia Fashion Festival and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Melbourne is a well-established global hotspot for cutting edge fashion.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“This major expansion of Australia’s biggest shopping centre is a testament to Victoria’s position as the nation’s fashion capital and our strong economic growth.”
“With leading global brands TAG Heuer, Reiss, H&M, Uniqlo, Muji, Dior, Williams-Sonoma all establishing or expanding their retail presence in Melbourne over the past two years our local retail sector is going from strength to strength.”