THIS is your first look at the West’s first David Jones.
Highpoint development manager Mark Pheely took Star on a tour of stage two of Highpoint’s $300 million redevelopment last week, which is on target to open to the public on 14 March.
The 14,000 square metre David Jones, which will runs over levels two and three, has been handed over to the department store giant, who are busy stocking the space with a range of clothing, accessories and make-up.
A space in front of David Jones will be dedicated to performances, exhibitions and art to promote a community vibe and meeting place.
Meanwhile, around 80 new specialty retailers, including Topshop, Topman and Zara, are busy doing shop fit-outs ahead of next week’s big opening.
Star can reveal that Peter Alexander, Olga Berg, Speedo, Seafolly, Adidas, Nike and Ally Fashion are also among the new retailers, while Samsung will open its largest experience store in the world.
Mr Pheely could not confirm if Apple would also join suit with a similar store, adding that there were still more surprise retailers to come.
“It’s continuing that tradition that Highpoint has had of first to the West retailers,” he said.
“It’s the first time that all of these retailers come together under one roof in Australia. You might get one here and there, but we have them all.”
Mr Pheely said a number of Highpoint’s existing tenants – including Myer and Country Road – were also doing shop fit-outs to keep their offering in line with the new retail offer.
“The existing centre is still very strong,” he said.
Stage two of the redevelopment will create more than 1750 new job opportunities for the local community.The new section will open up on level three across from Myer, creating a circular path around the shopping centre.
Mr Pheely said the redevelopment was phase one of a long-term master plan for Highpoint.
He could not confirm when the next redevelopment was on the cards.
The unveiling will come five months after Highpoint opened its Fresh Food Market and Eco Mall, which links up with Highpoint’s existing level two stores and boasts a full-line Woolworths,15 new fresh food retailers and a mix of children’s wear, services and general merchandise.
