A HIGH-stakes roll of the retail dice will be unveiled this week when Highpoint shopping centre launches the final stage of its $300 million expansion.
Tough economic challenges facing the traditional retail sector haven’t deterred centre operators General Property Trust Group from launching headlong into a roll-out of what it labels “the west’s new fashion mecca”.
The new fashion mall at Highpoint, the final piece in a three-year, redevelopment jigsaw, will house the west’s first David Jones store as well as more than 80 speciality retailers, including Zara, Topshop, Alannah Hill and Country Road.
Highpoint development manager Mark Pheely said the final two weeks of construction had been a hive of activity, with up to 700 workers on site ahead of tomorrow’s official launch.
He said key features of the new mall included widespread use of natural light and a greater connection with the outside world.
“[The redevelopment] is based on what the community told us it wants to see. It’s something we as a community can be proud of,” he said.
“This is also a combination of retailers not yet seen in any other shopping centre, all under one roof.”
A series of events will mark the launch, including runway shows hosted by international fashion blogger Poppy Dinsey tomorrow and Friday night.
David Jones will hold three fashion shows, exclusive to Highpoint, from the autumn/winter collection, on Saturday.
Highpoint colourists will be on hand from tomorrow until Sunday to provide personal colour consultations on everything from fashion and nails to hair and makeup.
Mr Pheely said further expansion was on the cards.
“It is almost a constant process of freshening things, but the next large-scale footprint is up for discussion.”
Details on launch events and times: highpoint.com.au
