Construction Starts On The New Face Of Caneland Central
Source: Bovis Lend Lease - www.bovislendlease.com
04 May 2010
Following
several years of research, planning and preparation, the $210 million
redevelopment of Caneland Central officially started today with the
turning of the first sod by Mayor Col Meng and Lend Lease CEO of Retail,
Mr Rhon Levin.
Caneland Central’s expansion will see the centre
grow from 39,000sqm to 62,500sqm to include the region’s first Myer, an
expanded IGA supermarket, Target, Big W, Woolworths, around 240
specialty stores and additional car parking.
This redevelopment is a significant project for the Mackay community,
the retail industry in Australia and Lend Lease, which manages the
asset. It is also the largest retail project being undertaken by
Caneland Central owner, Australian Prime Property Fund Retail.
“Upon completion, Caneland Central will set a new benchmark in creating
a leading edge entertainment and shopping space – redefining the role of
this community hub.” said Mayor Meng.
Caneland Central is located in one of Australia’s
fastest growing regions, and is one of the highest performing assets in
the Lend Lease managed portfolio. Continually delivering outstanding
sales growth since opening 30 years ago, the addition of Myer will
further strengthen the centre’s performance and retail offer.
“Myer has done a lot of work to identify the potential locations of our
new store sites around Australia, in consideration of population,
catchment growth and other socio economic factors. During our research
it was clear that Mackay ticked all of these boxes – making the decision
to build a new Myer store here an obvious one.
“The new Mackay store is going to set a new standard for retail in this
region. It will be a store that customers in Mackay can call their own
and one that they will want to come back and shop at again and again”,
said Paul Banks of Myer.
Environmentally sustainable design and development initiatives will
feature throughout the new development, with a Green Star Retail Centre
v1 Rating being targeted to reduce energy and water consumption and
improve the indoor environment with natural daylighting and
environmentally sensitive material selections.
“Our plans for the redevelopment of Caneland Central will also see the
creation of sustainable and active street uses – taking advantage of the
location beside the Pioneer River and strengthening the connection with
the riverfront promenade to create a benchmark dining and lifestyle
precinct. Modifications will also create a direct connection between the
developed centre and Council’s Bluewater Trail immediately to the
north,” said Mr Levin.
Bovis Lend Lease is responsible for project
management, design and construction, with Lend Lease design providing
architecture, structural design, engineering and sustainable design
services. The project, which is due for completion in 2011, will see
another boost to the local economy with the creation of around 3,500
jobs during construction and operation of the redeveloped centre.
“This project would not be possible without the support of our
customers, retailers and Mackay Regional Council which shared a vision
for growth that incorporated plans for the expansion of Caneland Central
– recognising the centre’s role in the community and the economic
generators that come from successful retail and leisure destinations,”
said Mr Levin.
For more information contact:
James Lopez
Communications Manager
Bovis Lend Lease Australia
Ph (02) 9236 6136