de, managing director of architect firm i2C, explained that the centre, which first opened in 1979 and was upgraded in 2005, had become out of date with the community’s expectations and a bit “tired”. Similarly, the old oak tree was rundown and, “a bit underwhelming in its condition”. The architects chose the tree as the pivotal point of their design. “We nurtured that tree over time to get it growing again,” explained Jende. “Now, it’s the point that everyone sees coming along the highway. Its leaves, acorns and shape of its branches became the inspiration behind the design of a 400 metre street facade and a lot of the internal design philosophy and features.” Jende believed the addition of the food precinct and a new state-of-the-art children’s bush-themed, indoor play area (with climbing structures, digital zone, interactive games and soft play for toddlers) has made Cranbourne Park a place that people now come to to do more than just shop. “We focused on delivering a shopping centre that the community would be proud of and that would embed itself into the community. People are now staying longer and are using the centre differently to how they used to,” he said. “The retailers have delivered ‘high end’ tenancy fitouts that lift the overall standard and design outcome for the mall space and externally active facades.” The restaurant precinct has injected life into a previously underutilised area, delivering outdoor decked dining and a great connection with the street, Jende added. Newcomers & next-gen majors Following the 13,500 square metre extension, Cranbourne Park, which is situated in one of Victoria’s largest growing municipalities, has become the first centre in Australia to offer the combination of a new generation Coles, Target and Kmart all under one roof. It’s also added new retailers, including JB Hi-Fi Home, Harris Scarfe, Typo and Smiggle and its mix of more than 120 speciality stores includes 30 top Australian fashion labels, such as Cotton On Mega, Lorna Jane, Bardot, Forever New, Novo Shoes, Dotti and Connor. The redevelopment means that there are now 1700 car spaces with new underground and shaded roof top parking. A bonus for families is the two new parents’ rooms and dedicated “parents with prams” car spaces also available. The centre’s redevelopment also involved a three-level office and gymnasium building on Cranbourne’s High Street, which has created employment and education opportunities close to the heart of this thriving community. Indeed, the City of Casey estimates that 400 ongoing jobs will be created in retail at Cranbourne Park, resulting in an additional $72.5 million annually in economic activity. The redevelopment began in February 2014, with stage one of the upgrade opening in March of this year. And, as Jende noted, there was the challenge to provide a seamless transition from existing internal finishes to the new. According to Federation Centres, the centre, including stage two, is fully leased and was completed below the forecast budget. It has delivered returns ahead of expectations and is already trading well above expectations. “The local community has overwhelmingly welcomed the new centre, resulting in a marked increase in customer visits,” said Federation Centres’ executive general manager development, Jonathan Timms. “i2C embedded the existing design elements that the community understood and referenced, and developed these ideas to create a dynamic and accessible place that the Cranbourne community can feel they really ‘own’. It’s wonderful to see the final piece of the puzzle come together,” added Jende.