By BRIDGET SCOTT
CRANBOURNE Park finally unveiled the first stage of its new development last week, much to the delight of local shoppers and business owners.
The 112 million dollar redevelopment was a sight to see for shopaholics last Thursday, and included brand new fashion and dining precincts.
Cranbourne Park is now the only centre in Australia to offer the combination of a new generation Coles, new format Target and a refreshed and expanded Kmart, all under one roof.
The fashion precinct boasts more than 30 new leading brands, including a Cotton On Mega, Uniquely Lorna Jane, Bardot, Dotti, Forever New, Jeanswest, Napolean Perdis and Novo.
The opening of the redevelopments will be followed by a two-week launch party, with something happening all around the clock. The second stage of the redevelopment is due to open in September. Centre Manager Danielle Gunner said the launch party is a reward for local and loyal customers.
“Our two week launch party will delight and reward customers of all ages with celebrity and family-friendly entertainers, $50,000 up for grabs and $20,000 worth of instant prizes, craft activities, gift bags, giveaways, cooking demonstrations and live music,” she said.
Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney, as well as fashion stylist Donny Galella were there for the official first day last week.
Giaan launched her new active wear range, ‘Giaan’ by Spalding, at Target and was excited to finally see it on the racks. She said she wanted to create a range of clothing that could be used for more than just working out.
“Women are multi-taskers,” she said.
“I want to encourage women to exercise, and to feel confident when they do.”
Giaan said women will often head from their work out to other places, such as the supermarket or out for coffee.
“We needed it to be functional,” she said.
The gear is a mix of both high and low performance pieces, including pants, crop tops, singlets and yoga pants.
Giaan said it was between seven and 10 months in the making, with her second range set to launch in September this year.
Cranbourne Park first opened in 1979 with the 13 month redevelopment generating more than 700 jobs during construction, and an additional 400 ongoing jobs at the centre.
The huge launch party will culminate with a performance from Nathaniel live at the centre on Saturday 11 April from 2pm.