By Charlene Macaulay
A new-look Kmart store will be the jewel in the crown of a $60 million expansion of Manor Lakes Central that will double the shopping centre’s size.
Construction will begin in coming weeks.
The mammoth expansion will deliver about 20 new retailers, including Best & Less, Anytime Fitness and a large-scale fruit and vegetable grocer.
There will be 500 more carparking spaces and a range of family-friendly features including upgraded parent rooms, children’s interactive play areas and free wi-fi. The project will be anchored by a new-concept Kmart that will span 5200 square metres and include defined product areas, a central self-service checkout and wide aisles for easier pram and wheelchair access.
The centre is owned by Ranfurlie Asset Management, the retail and commercial arm of Dennis Family Corporation.
Ranfurlie Asset Management chief executive Mark Wilson said the expansion would coincide with a refurbishment of the existing centre, with both scheduled for completion early next year.
The project is tipped to create about 300 construction jobs in coming months and more than 400 ongoing full and part-time retail positions.
Mr Wilson said the expansion and revamp were aimed at giving locals an “active shopping experience”.
“Alfresco dining spaces will link indoor and outdoor public areas and connect to landscaped communal spaces and kids activity zones,” Mr Wilson said.
Ranfurlie Asset Management also operates the 25,000-square-metre Tarneit Central shopping centre, which opened in 2017.
