Brand Depot plans on target

CANBERRA: A decision to minimise on-site works and maximise off-site works has paid big dividends for the developers behind Canberra's first factory outlet centre, Brand Depot.
The centre, being built at Canberra International Airport, was originally scheduled to open in October, however the anticipated opening date of the development has now been brought forward to July.
Brand Depot director Tom Snow said this was possible after the builders moved much of the work offsite meaning production was not impeded by adverse weather.
Snow said the development, which will feature 70 retail stores and 1,600 car spaces, will be targeted at those living in Australian Capital Territory and southern New South Wales.
A recent report had shown that overall retail spending in the market during 2004 was close to $6 million, he said.
"The population is characterised by high income young professionals with state-level benchmarks. This is supportive of Brand Depot's proposal to introduce a more sophisticated retail offer to serve this market."
Wynn Tresidder Management, the group behind Greenwood Plaza, Neeta City in Fairfield and Hobart's Elizabeth Plaza, beat off stiff competition from the operators of DFO, Harbour Town and Brandsmart to win the bid to manage the centre.
Snow said the opening of the precinct would be supported by a $1 million-plus marketing campaign across outdoor, print, radio and television.
In other news, supporters of a proposed retail precinct for Sydney Airport have struck turbulence after the New South Wales Government voiced concern over noise levels at the site.
Airport owners Sydney Airport Corporation look set to face a court challenge to its plans to build a $200 million retail mall after legal advice sought by the City of Sydney Council found the mega-mall was not suitable for a commercial building because it would be exposed to "unacceptable" noise levels.
Unlike its Canberra counterpart, the proposed mall, which at 60,000-square metre will be bigger than the Moore Park SupaCenta and the Homebush DFO put together, is not designed for passengers, but targeted at Sydney shoppers living as far away as Bondi, Bankstown and Cronulla.