AUSTRALIAN Unity has commenced the final stage and most significant of its $45 million redevelopment at Busselton shopping centre in Western Australia.
This $30 million third stage will cover the east side of the shopping centre, transforming the space into an indoor/outdoor hospitality and entertainment precinct, as well as a five-screen Reading Cinema.
“The new Busselton Central will soon offer a new entertainment and leisure precinct that will significantly enhance the function of Mitchell Park, both as a community focal point but also as a visitor destination and an ‘after five’ precinct,” said Anna Flavell, senior asset manager at Australian Unity.
The third stage of redevelopment will include a further 6,000sqm of gross lettable area, with circa 4,000sqm of food and dinging space, as well as two specialty retailers.
“The design offers shady pergolas, soft landscape and playable spaces that will enable a direct and seamless connection to the park and to Queen Street and Kent Streets,” said Flavell.
The ground floor will feature a local tavern and boutique brewery, in addition to over ten hospitality and retail stores such as Benesse, Dome, Funkee Monkee Bar & Eatery, Asian Kitchen Busselton and Cotton On Mega.
“The design takes inspiration from the essence of Busselton, where simple organic forms and a clean, coastal inspired colour scheme will enhance the relaxed, family friendly spaces that will sit alongside the park,” added Flavell.
Meanwhile the new state-of-the-art Reading Cinema complex will be developed on the first floor and will include a TITAN LUXE auditorium with Dolby Atmos, as well as recliner seating and a dine-in menu.
The first two stages of redevelopment at the Busselton Shopping Centre were completed in 2020 and included a new Coles supermarket, mall and six specialty retailers.
While recent data from CBRE indicates that landlords of shopping centres are looking to gyms and fitness studios for diversification of their assets as consumer preferences continue to shift.
The redevelopment of the Busselton Shopping Centre is due for completion and open trading by the close of 2022.
