The $300 million expansion of GPT’s Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne has officially been opened.
The new Fashion Mall is now home to the first David Jones in Melbourne’s west, which is spread over two levels and 14,000 square metres. It is also the only shopping centre in Australia to secure both international retailers Zara and Topshop. Other retailers include Samsung, Sass & Bide, Seed and Alannah Hill.
GPT CEO and managing director Michael Cameron said the development has been delivered on time, on budget and featured the biggest names in Australian and international retail.
“Highpoint is now one of the largest shopping centres in the country. The 100 additional retail offerings take the total number of stores to around 520 and the number of parking spaces to more than 7000,” he said.
“This expansion has been years in the planning and we knew it would work because we out to the community and asked them what they wanted, well before the first load of concrete was laid.
“They told us the development should reflect the surrounding environment, the creative and resilient spirit of the west. In response GPT has delivered a stunning architecturally designed mall featuring materials, exposed beams and celebrates the site’s history as a quarry with use of Blustone in the floors and furniture.
“By far the most striking design feature is the floating roof structure, which was inspired by the Maribyrnong River. The transparent roof, which has been designed to bring in natural light and fresh air, flows throughout the mall before opening up to a new grand entrance and public space.”
According to GPT, the development provides important organic growth for the 50 per cent owner, the GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund and takes the size of its portfolio to over $3 billion.