By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Plaza will unveil its $40 million post-Myer transformation in less than two weeks.
Myer announced last September that the struggling store represented less than 1 per cent of its total group sales and would close the following month.
It marked the end of a 40-year history, and retailers expressed concern that the departure would leave the centre without a drawcard.
But Plaza manager GPT Group has bounced back with a rejuvenated space and nine new retailers.
JB-Hi Home, Aldi, Daiso and Trade Secret will open their doors on Wednesday 15 October, starting four days of celebrations.
“We’re actually opening two weeks earlier than we thought,” GPT Group development manager Paul Neilsen said.
“It gives everyone that extra two weeks of trade before Christmas.”
Happy Africa grocer, a cafe and a custom-designed children’s playground are also part of the redevelopment that started on 1 November last year.
It created about 500 jobs throughout construction and almost 50 new long-term jobs.
“The majority of works for the first three months was a lot of demolition works,” Mr Neilsen said.
“This was 40-year-old structure that Myer occupied.
“A lot of the costs associated you wouldn’t actually be able to see.
“It’s a full upgrade of the services. We got a mechanical upgrade, including the air-conditioning, fire services upgrade, etcetera.”
The fit-out includes timber slat features, three-dimensional wall tiles and new escalators.
Mayor Jim Memeti said retailers were looking forward to 15 October.
“I know the figures Myer were doing here weren’t great,” he said.
“I think the new retailers will turn over more money than Myer did and will, hopefully, increase foot traffic in the plaza.”
Opening festivities will start with Cr Jim Memeti cutting a ribbon to officially open the precinct at 10am and include free activities and giveaways.
Tumbarumba, Asanti Dance Group and the Royal Polynesian Dance Group will perform, and Daiso will host a Manga artist who’ll draw free selfies.
Daiso Industries Australia national marketing manager Natasha Lyubic said the Dandenong store was the Japanese chain’s seventh company-owned store in Victoria.
She said every item in store was priced at $2.80, but Daiso wasn’t a typical discount retailer.
“It really has to be experienced,” she said.
“A regular shopping trip becomes a treasure hunt.
“We sell stationery, personal care, beauty, crockery, toys, travel accessories…
“There are things you wouldn’t realise you needed.”
The Dandenong store is Australian-owned discount fashion retailer Trade Secret’s fifth and will stock big brand items.
JB is relocating from its existing location on Cleeland Street, Dandenong, and expanding to include whitegoods and other home wares.
A 3800 square metre space on Level 4 is still available, as is a 130 square metre spot downstairs.
Visit www.dandenongplaza.com.au for a full program of the opening event.
