Leasing has commenced in Lend Lease’s $330 million Craigieburn Central located in Melbourne’s north, which is predicted to become the only significant regional centre in its total trade area over the next 10 to 15 years.

Owned by Lend Lease, the centre is believed to be Australia’s sole Greenfield shopping centre to be delivered in 2013.

The five major anchors for the centre are already confirmed for what will become a thriving area in Melbourne’s north, including Target, Big W, Coles, Woolworths and Aldi.

Coles will tenant a 5,500m2 flagship supermarket, Woolworths will open a 4,800m2 supermarket and Aldi will deliver the centre its third supermarket. These will be joined by two discount department stores with Big W set to open an 8,000m2 store and Target a 6,500m2 offering.

The development is set to deliver a complete and varied retail experience to the growing population which is expected to swell to over 130,000 by 2016.

The centre will service Craigieburn’s growing population, which currently stands at 110,000 people, as well as surrounding suburbs including Merrifield and Greenvale.

Head of Lend Lease’s retail development business, Gary Horwitz said Craigieburn Central will offer a range of experiences for the thousands of surrounding residential dwellings, the broader community and visitors.

“On completion, Craigieburn Central will feature approximately 50,000m2 of space for over 160 retailers, with over 2,600 car spaces, a future planned multi screen cinema and a 700 seat dining hall.

“The final design of Craigieburn Central merges the best elements of both indoor and outdoor shopping centres, combining main street retailing with fully enclosed air conditioned malls.

“The Market Hall is expected to become the number one food shopping destination in the Craigieburn area. Main Street and The Town Square will be seen as the civic heart of the community with a pedestrian street and a popular gathering point for the community. Inspired by the infamous laneways of Melbourne’s CBD, Eat Street and Market Square will incorporate a new concept dining hall and the Fashion Walk will be anchored by two of Australia’s most well known discount department stores, Big W and Target,” he said.

Construction of the centre commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed in late 2013.