The M-City mixed-use development launches its retail precinct on Thursday May 21, with the opening of its two major tenants; Kmart and Woolworths Supermarket. The Buchan designed mixed-use development is the largest ever undertaken outside of Melbourne’s CBD and includes a range of residential, hotel and serviced apartment accommodation as well as retail, entertainment and commercial facilities within the world-renowned education and medical precincts of the Monash municipality. 

The store openings celebrate resilience during an unprecedented period for property development. Vito Chiodo – Property Director, Schiavello said “The resilience and determination of the entire Schiavello development team and our construction and management partners have proven that despite challenging times, we have remained committed to delivering this unique project to the community in what we feel is the right way at this time.”

M-City Masterplan

“The opening of Kmart and Woolworths on the 21 May pays homage to months of hard work from both the developer and retail teams and provides reassurance that retail will prevail,” he said.

“Moving forward our focus now; more than ever, is to work with our individual retail stores on an intimate level to ensure that they are fully supported during this time to also open their doors. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are starting to ease across the country as a result of effective management; our retailers can once again focus on their individual journey,” Chiodo said.

On completion the retail centre will house 60 retailers

“As there is no blanket approach in how we provide this assistance at this time, it means the community should expect a staggered approach to the opening of stores as we work closely with tenants. We are focused on the long-term success of the development and so simply working in an agile capacity is the only option as an outcome of this unprecedented global event.” Chiodo said.

Cinema operator Village Cinemas located on level 1; will join a number of other retailers including BWS, Degani, Vodafone, Asian Grocer and News and Lotto who are yet to finalise opening dates. The cinema operator is currently restricted by government restrictions to trade, however eager to open as part of the M-City entertainment offering once restrictions are further eased.

Chiodo also stated that once the centre opens, customers health and safety while shopping in centre is of utmost importance. “We have worked closely with our management team and tenants to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place for both opening day and into the foreseeable future. We will be practicing social distancing measures and appropriate cleaning schedules to ensure our shoppers can visit with peace of mind. It’s important that our customers can access their required grocery and household items at their leisure, however we take safety very seriously.”

M-City is located to the world-renowned education and medical precincts of the Monash municipality.

CBRE have been appointed as managing agent for the retail precinct, with Regional Director Meagan Wakefield saying that “The partnership between CBRE and Schiavello is a welcomed one. We are delighted to be partnering with the team to deliver such a prestige retail precinct to the Monash community. We believe in the power to create unique community hubs and although the current environment is challenging; our goal is unwaivered.”

The landmark development is the new gateway to Melbourne’s South East Growth Corridor. When fully operational the retail precinct of over 60 specialty stores will integrate with the overarching mixed-used development to envision 4,000 people working, living and staying at M-City on a daily basis. The 665 residential apartments will provide accommodation to about 2,000 people alone.