By BRIDGET COOK
THE transformation of Cranbourne’s major shopping centre is underway, with works on the $110 million project officially launched this week.
Representatives from the City of Casey and co-owners Federation Centres and ISPT met at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre for an official ground breaking event on Monday to mark the commencement of works.
Work is well underway in the northern car park where the centre expansion is taking place.
The redevelopment will transform the centre and add about 12,500sqm of retail space.
This will include a new Target discount department store, a relocated large-format Coles supermarket, new mini-majors and about 55 new specialty shops.
The existing centre will also be significantly refurbished and the current Kmart remodelled.
The works will provide about 288 jobs during construction and more than 400 ongoing retail jobs for local residents into the future.
Federation Centres’ regional general manager development Jonathan Bradhurst said the new Cranbourne Park would be a great example of their ethos to provide local communities with great shopping experiences.
ISPT fund manager Mark Bassett said they were thrilled to be partnering with Federation Centres and working with the City of Casey and retailers to deliver the development.
“The revitalised Cranbourne Park will be a significant contribution for the wider community for many years to come,” he said.
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett welcomed the commencement of the redevelopment works.
“The redevelopment is great news for Casey residents and a vote of confidence in our local economy,” he said.
“Cranbourne is a bustling modern hub, and I’m positive residents will love the new shopping experience and services.”
The redevelopment completion is expected in early 2015.
