HIGHPOINT SHOPPING CENTRE WINS VICTORIAN DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR & BEST SHOPPING CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
April 29, 2015
The $300M North West Precinct development of Highpoint Shopping Centre won the Victorian Development of the Year award and the national award for Best Shopping Centre Development at the 2015 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.
Congratulations go to owners GPT Group; Highpoint Property Group and GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund who received the awards for the expansion, which introduced 100 new specialty stores to Highpoint and a new David Jones department store. The Buchan Group, in association with Grimshaw Architects, provided Architecture, Master Planning and Retail Planning services. The Buchan Group has worked on every stage of Highpoint’s development.
Located in Melbourne's Maribyrnong business district, Highpoint Shopping Centre is one of the nation's largest retail outlets. The expansion has unveiled a world class shopping precinct boasting some of the best fashion offerings in Australia with around 520 stores and over 7000 parking spaces.
The Buchan Group’s CEO, David Martin attended the awards presentation and said the redevelopment has created a greatly improved centre for customers, with the innovative design response and introduction of international retailers bringing a true destinational quality to the centre.
“The Buchan Group’s specialist knowledge in retail design has significantly contributed to the revitalisation of the centre that offers a holistic and world class shopping experience through the stunning architecture, quality amenities and the addition of some of the biggest names in international retail including Chanel and Zara.”
A new benchmark for retail and sustainable design was established through the redevelopment of the centre, with the design challenging the traditional, introverted model for retail, and promoting stronger connections with nature and the environment. A correlation to the surrounding environment was achieved through views, natural materials, exposed beams and the creation of naturally ventilated spaces which respond to external conditions. The most striking design feature is the floating transparent roof structure which flows throughout the mall and brings in natural light and fresh air.
The design philosophy throughout the centre has helped to redefine the retail experience and shift the perception of Highpoint to that of a world class shopping centre where people want to shop and play. The redevelopment has essentially created a new and exciting narrative for the future of Highpoint and its customers.
