The project also required considerable co-ordination and co-operation with both the state government and the Hills Shire council to deliver a good connection from the metro and bus interchange to the new retail precinct.

Alongside a revamped Coles supermarket, new brands added to the retail mix include Banana Blossom, Gewürzhaus Herb and Spice Merchant, Délisse French Cafe, Jim’s Malaysian,

Makani Ramen Noodle House, Yatai Ozeki, Adanos Grill, Ms Dumpling and Juiced Life.

A collection of new lifestyle stores and innovative concept stores have also opened, including Price Attack, Gro Urban Oasis, What’s Cooking Home, Flower Train, Tribe Lifestyle and Indulge Nails and Spa.

The decor, with its soft pinks, greens and greys of the Australian bush is supported by a series of Melaleuca paperbark forest paintings by Oliver Watts.

There is also considerable integrated landscaping – with more than 2100 plants in total.

Inclusion goes mainstream

Western Australia’s Lakeside Joondalup put a spotlight on International Day of People with Disability on December 3 by launching two display cabinets featuring mannequins of all abilities while showcasing clothing from participating centre retailers.

The cabinets were styled by twin sisters Emily J and Reese Prior through the auspices of the Ability Centre in Coolbinia. They will be on show until December 17.

The Prior sisters, who were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy, are budding stylists, and were thrilled to accept the Ability Centre’s invitation to work with Lakeside Joondalup on the project.

“When I read magazines and catalogues, I don’t often see young girls that represent me or disability, so having a part in changing that is really important to me” said Emily J, the younger twin.

Gemma Hannigan, Lakeside Joondalup centre manager, said the shopping centre was dedicated to promoting real diversity and inclusion in all its forms.

In 2018, it was the first shopping centre in WA to build an accredited changing facility for people with high needs. Following this, it launched height-adjustable tables in the food courts as well as sensory-friendly sessions for children during key events.

Chadstone set for expansion

Property firm Vicinity Centres has revealed a $685 million development of Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre – with plans for an expanded luxury retail mall, upgraded fresh food precinct, as well as a larger dining terrace and leisure precinct.

The projects aren’t anticipated to start construction until 2021, and are likely to take around four years to complete. They are also still subject to an approval process by the City of Stonnington, and approval by Chadstone co-owners the Gandel Group.

The developments are to expand the centre by a total of 43,000sqm – with 4300sqm of this dedicated to traditional retail and 1450sqm taken up by new cafes and restaurants.

The expansion will also create 1400 new parking spots across additional levels added to existing car parks, an increase of more than 10 per cent. This will make Chadstone’s parking offer the largest free car park in Australia, according to Chadstone director Fiona Mackenzie.