Coles to anchor new $150m commercial development in Melbourne growth corridor

“Securing Coles as the anchor tenant demonstrates strong confidence in Wollert Village and the continued growth of the surrounding community,” NRG managing director Michael Spektor says.

“As one of Australia’s most recognised retailers, Coles will meet an important everyday need for residents, generate consistent visitation and help support the success of the centre’s specialty retailers.”

While no further major tenants have been named, the leasing program is intended to combine national operators with local businesses and services. Childcare and medical uses will broaden the centre’s scope, while the specialty shops are expected to include convenience, lifestyle, dining and service-based businesses.

“We have already received significant interest from local small and medium-sized businesses,” Spektor says. “Rathdowne is a diverse and growing community, and we are working to secure a complementary mix of tenants that will provide convenience, lifestyle and choice for local residents.

“We are also in discussions with several well-known national brands, but we are not yet in a position to disclose those details.”

Growth supports the catchment

Australian Bureau of Statistics census data shows why a supermarket-led centre has become a priority for the area. Wollert’s population rose from 9060 in 2016 to 24,407 in 2021, an increase of about 169 per cent in five years. New housing has continued to expand the suburb’s residential footprint since then.

The long-term planning framework points to further expansion, with the Victorian Planning Authority’s Wollert Precinct Structure Plan estimating the area will ultimately accommodate more than 38,000 residents in about 13,500 dwellings, together with an employment area supporting about 7500 jobs.

The plan also provides for a future major town centre, schools, open space and community infrastructure as the district matures.

Wollert Village will serve a more immediate neighbourhood role within Villawood Properties’ Rathdowne master-planned community, which launched in 2016. The centre formed part of Rathdowne’s original vision and will be linked to surrounding streets by pedestrian and cycling paths.

Its combination of groceries, health, childcare, food and services is designed to reduce the need for routine trips outside the suburb while giving residents a local place to meet.

“Wollert is experiencing significant residential growth, and the community is eager for greater access to essential shopping, services and amenities close to home,” Spektor explains.

NRG expects construction to create about 150 jobs, with ongoing employment to follow across retail, hospitality, health, childcare and associated services. City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox has said the project will give residents more choice close to home, support local employment and contribute an estimated $65 million to the local economy.

The project is scheduled to be completed in November 2027

A familiar northern corridor model

Using a major supermarket to anchor a new mixed-use retail hub has precedent across Melbourne’s northern growth corridor. In nearby Mickleham, Merrifield City opened its first stage in December 2020 with the region’s first full-line Coles, Liquorland and eight specialty operators.

The initial stage was more than 95 per cent leased before opening and formed part of the wider 900-hectare Merrifield development. Its developers said the project generated more than 1000 construction jobs and about 300 ongoing retail roles.

More recently, Botanical Village opened in Mickleham in March, with a Coles supermarket and 26 specialty stores. Its mix includes a gym, pharmacy, medical centre, food outlets and a 142-place childcare centre, closely reflecting the strategy of coupling a supermarket anchor with health, care and hospitality uses that can sustain activity throughout the day.

In Wollert itself, the $45 million Linfield Place town centre has brought fuel, quick-service food and fitness operators, including 7-Eleven, Oporto, Subway and Snap Fitness, to the suburb. Although smaller and differently configured, it is another sign of retail and service investment following rooftops into the growth area.