The Billbergia Group is set to open Rhodes Central, the first stage of a new $2.5 billion mixed-use town centre precinct in July 2021.
Billbergia representative Joseph Kinsella announced the new three-level shopping centre anchored by Woolworths will cover over 11,500m2 of retail space, encompassing dine-in, takeaway, fresh food options and a wellbeing precinct. This strategy was developed and executed by Rook Partners.
Inspired by the casual hawker market lanes from Shanghai to Singapore, Rhodes Central will be delivering ‘Bamboo Lane’, a one-stop-destination for authentic Asian food across 14 different tenancies, each covering delicious regional cuisines. The casual dining precinct will be complemented by more formal dining options like Spicy Joint, Myoung Ryun Jinsa Galbi, Lilong by Taste of Shanghai and many more.
More than 90% of the tenancies are leased ahead of completion
Kinsella said that Rook Partners developed this strategy following research identifying the local customers were travelling beyond Rhodes to dine in Burwood, Eastwood and the CBD. The objective was to provide local casual dining options that captured this market’s needs.
“With our experience of delivering projects in Hurstville, Ashfield and Chatswood, Rook Partners was well-placed to create this unique mix of vibrant Asian dining operators,” said Adam Sheumack, Managing Director of Rook Partners.
More than 90% of the tenancies are leased ahead of completion. Other secured major tenants include BWS, McDonald’s, X-Active, Asian supermarket Zetciti, Cincotta Chemist, Cho Express, Komatsu Japanese Restaurant, Costi Seafood, Two Peck, CoCo Tea and more.
Adjacent to Rhodes Train station, Stage 1 of the Rhodes Central precinct includes a 38-storey and 25-storey tower, totalling 548 apartments rising above the shopping centre. The 38-storey, golden-crowned heliostat tower establishes itself as the landmark for Rhodes in the Sydney skyline and is identifiable across the city. The heliostat is a unique architectural triumph that has only been completed once before in the Sydney CBD.
The Rhodes Central precinct will also contribute a major three-level community recreation centre and early childhood education centre. It will further support the NSW Government’s new vision for revitalised infrastructure in Rhodes, including upsizing the train station, a new primary school and new public open space.
This project extends Billbergia Group’s and Rook Partners’ extensive experience in delivering vibrant mixed-use projects that transform neighbourhoods. Rhodes Central Shopping Centre will be managed by Structure Retail Management.
