New Zealand men’s fashion retailer, Rodd & Gunn will open its global experiential store, The Lodge Bar & Dining, at 299 Bourke Street, Melbourne, as part of the highly anticipated redevelopment of the heritage-listed site, formerly the David Jones menswear store.
299 Bourke Street was acquired by Newmark Capital in the midst of Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown. The redevelopment of the site will support the post-COVID revitalisation of Melbourne’s retail sector by drawing people back to the CBD.
The redevelopment has commenced and will include Mecca on the Bourke Street mall frontage and Clemenger in the upper level office floors.
Located near the Little Collins entrance, the store will span 756m2, featuring Rodd & Gunn’s retail offerings alongside an unmatched dining experience.
Equipped to hold up to 200 patrons, the unique mash of retail and dining will feature one of Melbourne’s most glamorous dining rooms alongside a wine terrace and salon bar.
Newmark Capital General Manager of Property, Angus Machutchison, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rodd & Gunn’s experiential store to 299 Bourke Street. As a retail operator Rodd & Gunn are demonstrating their exceptional approach to retail innovation and this store will ultimately play a role in welcoming people back to Melbourne’s CBD.”
The store will draw inspiration from Rodd & Gunn’s new Brisbane venue, which has already seen strong success, just three months after opening.
The lower ground, ground and first floors of 299 Bourke St will be dedicated to a premium retail offering
Mike Beagley, CEO at Rodd & Gunn said: “Melding fashion, food and wine, Rodd & Gunn and The Lodge Bar & Dining, Little Collins Street will treat customers to a truly memorable experience.
“Upon entering the breathtaking heritage-listed building, guests will be given the opportunity to browse the latest fashion collections and indulge in an array of delectable dishes, with a full dining offering available venue-wide.”
Plans for the redevelopment have garnered strong support from local stakeholders and council, including the City of Melbourne.
“We are thrilled to see the development of Rodd & Gunn’s new store location in 299 Bourke Street. We know their new experiential store in Brisbane is a phenomenal success and we expect this store to be no different,” said Machutchison.
