Japan’s largest fashion chain Uniqlo is one of many key tenants secured to open at Emporium Melbourne later this year.
The announcement was made as part of Colonial First State (CFS) Property Retail’s 2013 March quarter update. The company holds $575 million share in the development.
CFX fund manager Michalel Gorman said the project is starting to take shape with a number of iconic retailers already secured, such as the country’s first Uniqlo store.
“We are excited to have signed another quality tenant at Emporium Melbourne with the addition of Japanese fast-fashion brand UNIQLO. The store, which is its first in Australia, will be a 3,000 sqm flagship store anchoring our development over four levels,” he said.
“We have been collaborating with UNIQLO for some time both about its expansion plans into Australia and opportunities within our portfolio. UNIQLO’s commitment is further confirmation of the world-class nature of this development.”
Other tenants that will secure a space at Emporium Melbourne are lululemon, MARCS, SABA and M.J. Bale. These are in addition to the tenants including Coach, Topshop, Salvatore Ferragamo, Scanlan & Theodore, sass & bide, Zimmerman, Oroton, Mulberry, Carla Zampatti, Georg Jensen, Alannah Hill, MAX&Co. and Lisa Ho, as well as a range of quality food retailers.
According Gorman, the completion of this development will reinstate the connection between Melbourne Central railway station and Bourke Street mall, historically one of Melbourne’s busiest pedestrian thoroughfares.