Retail tenants are showing strong interest in Newman’s $30 million new shopping centre, with construction starting this week on the joint venture between BHP Billiton and community charity St Bartholomew’s House.
The 4,000 square metre centre will likely be anchored by an IGA supermarket, with commercial agency Colliers International reporting negotiations were ongoing.
Dome Coffees Australia has also signed up for one of the 10 specialty retail tenancies at the centre.
Colliers International retail leasing executive Tim Scott said enquiries for the remaining shops had been strong, particularly from local and national food outlets.
“The opportunity to secure premises in a brand new building in that town centre precinct, which is undergoing a significant transformation, has drawn considerable interest,” he said.
Construction works at the centre, designed by Sandover Pinder, are being undertaken by Pindan.
The centre, which is part of a $70 million town centre upgrade in Newman is expected to be complete by December next year.
The partnership delivering the new mall is also believed the largest in Australia between a not-for-profit organisation and a multinational company.
BHP and St Bartholomew's House will use the profits from developing the centre to deliver community and social development projects in Newman, as reported earlier this year by Business News.
“The nature of the partnership behind the development of the centre also means that its success will allow Newman to continue to develop as a vibrant and thriving community,” Mr Scott said.
“It really is a unique proposition.”
