Facelift for Keppel Bay Plaza

An artists impression of the new Keppel Bay Plaza Shopping Centre.

Staff

THE north-west facing front entrance of Keppel Bay Plaza is the first in a series of staged refurbishments that will give the old shopping centre a much-needed facelift and introduce Country Target as a cornerstone tenant.

Keppel Bay Plaza representative Charlie Yankos said the refurbishment would offer a better plan, improving the layout and configuration.

"There will be a much better retail mix in the centre and we are inviting enquiries from any potential businesses that may add to the retail plan," Mr Yankos said.

"We want a balance of national and local mum-and-dad retailers who would like to create an individual retail outlet."

Built in the 1970s, the centre will have an entire upgrade to amenities, an extended car park and widening of the mall area.

With an expected completion date for mid-July 2012, Charlie said each stage had been designed to maintain business flow.

The new floor plan has resulted in a few retailers having to close or find alternative locations. Charlie said that it was unfortunate to lose these businesses but he was unable to work toward an agreement.

"In the case of Millers we couldn't work out how to accommodate each other's commercial needs but we both wanted Millers to be here," he said.

Charlie said the key strengths of Keppel Bay Plaza were the location of Australia Post and banks and building societies, which would remain.

WHAT'S IN STORE?

The redevelopment scope includes:

New Target Country store and specialty retailers

Modern treatments to the building exterior

Carpark and footpath upgrades to improve customer

accessibility

New visually striking entry structures

Internal mall refurbishment including new floor tiles,

upgraded ceiling and lighting

Full upgrade of amenities