Red Dot replaces Target Country in centre redevelopment

Target Country will close at the end of September and will be replaced by Red Dot in Busselton Shopping Centre, according to owner Australian Unity Inc.

WA brand Red Dot will rejoin the centre in the middle of its expansion and during the shopping centre’s planned redevelopment.

Australian Unity will begin the third phase of redevelopment works in mid-to-late 2021 once the centre achieves 50 per cent of leasing pre-commitment in the new dining precinct.

Stages one and two were completed in February and included a new Coles supermarket, a new mall, and six new retailers.

Australian Unity’s diversified property fund manager Nikki Panagopoulos said the company moved quickly to bring Red Dot back into the centre, which had performed strongly this year, with stage two developments bringing a 25 per cent increase in foot traffic.

“We thank Target Country and its wonderful team for playing a key role in the centre over the past 16 years,” Ms Panagopolous said.

Last year the Times reported a 500-seat outdoor cinema would be included in stage three of the centre’s development, but Ms Panagopolous said the “cinema opportunity had been disrupted”.

“We anticipate that as the nation moves to a post COVID-19 environment that this opportunity will improve,” she said.

“The shopping centre’s foot traffic has never been better, with moving annual foot traffic currently trending up 25 per cent. July alone saw a 68 per cent increase on July last year. The centre is well positioned to service the local community.”

“On completion, the centre will be classified as the prime neighbourhood shopping centre comprising of quality retail space inclusive of a food and entertainment precinct that will face to the adjacent Mitchell Park with a direct link to the main street of Busselton to further activate the CBD.”

The City of Busselton has $700,000 set aside in the 2020-21 budget for stage one of the refurbishment of Mitchell Park which will complement stage three of the centre redevelopment.

City director of engineering and works services Oliver Darby said planning for the Mitchell Park upgrade was progressing well.

“The initial designs have been revisited post community consultation. Most essentially the community wanted to see improved pedestrian access ways and visibility,” he said.

“They also wanted to see greater connectivity with the surrounding parts of the City Centre, and to retain the open grassy look and feel of the park.”