Stockland Wendouree to commence $37 million redevelopment and expansion
Stockland will commence construction on a $37 million project to expand and upgrade Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre in Ballarat, with work to begin on 6 July 2017.
The redevelopment will see Stockland construct 6,700 square metres of new retail floor space, with a focus on youth fashion, casual dining and everyday convenience. Upon completion the centre will feature over 100 retailers, reaffirming its position as the largest enclosed shopping destination in the area. Stockland will also add an additional 50 new carparking spaces taking the total to over 1,200.
Stockland Group Executive and CEO of Commercial Property, John Schroder, said: “Our vision is to create the best retail shopping destination in Victoria’s central west. We’re responding to our customers’ feedback to ensure Stockland Wendouree remains the retail destination of choice with a greater range of specialty fashion, retail services and a vibrant and inviting casual dining experience for our customers to enjoy.”
At the heart of upgrade will be a new full-line 3,800 square metre Woolworths and an adjoining BWS liquor store. The supermarket will offer the latest fresh food innovations, including an artisan delicatessen and on site bakery.
Customers will also enjoy a range of new tastes and flavours with a laneway dining precinct to be added as part of the redevelopment. The new foodie hub will offer indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of casual dining choices including cafes and restaurants. The improvements will create a destination for the community to enjoy relaxed lunches and entertaining nights out, which will be unlike anything else currently on offer in Ballarat.
Ballarat has been identified as one of the largest and fastest growing regional cities in Victoria with its population expected to reach 139,650 by 2031.
“Ballarat is a fantastic city steeped in history, with a strong and diversified economy. The redevelopment of Stockland Wendouree shows our commitment to the region to provide a quality retail experience for the community, now and into the future”, said Mr Schroder.
Sustainability at Stockland Wendouree will also be at the forefront of its design with plans for a rooftop solar installation to reduce carbon emissions and an inclusive playground designed in conjunction with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, to ensure children of all abilities can play together. An additional 50 car parking space will also be added for customers’ convenience.
John Schroder continues, “This redevelopment is all about offering our customers a first-class retail experience on par with that of any major metropolitan city. We are confident that, on completion, Stockland Wendouree will become the star destination for the community to meet, eat, shop and socialise.”
The $37 million development at Stockland Wendouree will take approximately 12 months to complete. Stockland expects the project to generate approximately 500 jobs during construction and 250 local retail jobs in perpetuity.
The centre will remain fully operational during the redevelopment program with most retailers trading as normal. Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction and all works will be carefully scheduled to minimise disruption.
Woolworths will temporarily cease trading at the centre from 4 June 2017 to make way for the construction of a new revitalised Woolworths supermarket. All Woolworths staff members have been offered positions at other local Woolworths sites. Coles supermarket will continue to trade as normal.
Stockland Wendouree is currently Ballarat’s largest fully enclosed sub-regional shopping centre located 4 km west of the Ballarat CBD. The centre is anchored by Kmart, Coles and Woolworths and currently features 82 specialty stores and 1,200 car parking spaces.
Notes to editor:
Key components of the Stockland Wendouree redevelopment include:
• Relocating and expanding Woolworths
• Introducing 22 new specialty shops
• Creating a new indoor/outdoor laneway dining precinct
• 10 new casual dining outlets
• 2 new entries to the centre leading to the car park facing Norman Street
• 50 additional car parking spaces
An artist's impression of the laneway dining precinct of Stockland Wendoree (Vic), which will undergo a $37 million redevelopment.