By NATALIE GALLENTI
Melton City councillors Sophie Ramsey, centre, Bob Tuner and Nola Dunn, were on hand to inpsect the progress of the Woodgrove Shopping Centre expansion last week. 102597 Picture KRISTIAN SCOTT
CITY of Melton councillors and council representatives had an opportunity to inspect the much-anticipated expansion of Woodgrove Shopping Centre last week.
Mayor Kathy Majdlik, along with Cr Bob Turner, Cr Sophie Ramsey and Cr Nola Dunn, were on hand to take a tour around the present construction of Woodgrove, which began in November last year and is expected to be completed later this year.
Managing director of QIC Global Real Estate Steven Leigh said the expansion would more than double the size of the centre.
“There has been considerable anticipation surrounding the development, and QIC Real Estate is pleased the construction is well underway,” Mr Leigh said.
On completion, he said, Big W and Woolworths would anchor the new development, while popular chain stores like JB Hi-Fi, Aldi and Harris Scarfe, and 80 specialty stores including Jeanswest, Novo Shoes, Victoria Station and Salt and Pepper would open as part of the new construction.
Mr Leigh said the new and improved shopping precinct would provide shoppers with extensive fashion for women, men, teenagers and children.
“The new 550-seat food court will be the hub of the development and an important meeting place for the community, and there will be a new al fresco dining and entertainment destination, complete with Readings Cinemas.”
A refurbishment of the existing centre is also underway.
Mr Leigh said the expansion was the next logical step in the development of Woodgrove and was in keeping with the growth of the region. When complete, it is expected to create about 800 new retail jobs, with an estimated 650 jobs being generated during construction.
