Pacific Werribee is grappling with temporary closures of businesses, including Myer, as the shopping centre undergoes essential “building rectification” works. Myer officially announced the cessation of trading activities on February 14, with expectations to resume operations by the end of November this year.
Attributing the closure to necessary rectification mandated by the landlord, a Myer spokesperson emphasized collaboration with the landlord to expedite the completion of the works. Concurrently, Plaza Tavern has also confirmed its temporary closure from January 28th for a few months due to the ongoing works, with defects reportedly identified in areas between Target and Myer, including the adjacent multi-deck car park.
Pacific Werribee’s management, traditionally tight-lipped about the renovation reasons, offered insights through General Manager Ryan Ling. Ling revealed that safety-driven inspections prompted specialists to reinforce joints in the recently redeveloped section of the centre. Ongoing works involve structural bracing, service fixing upgrades, additional waterproofing, mall tile repairs, changes to tenancy and car park layouts, and signage modifications. Ling assured that these staged works, aimed at minimizing community impacts, are anticipated to conclude by the end of the next year. Reassuringly, specialist engineers affirmed the centre’s safety throughout the process.
The Hoppers Crossing shopping centre, rejuvenated with a $400 million makeover in 2014, faces challenges as the ongoing repairs affect foot traffic and impose financial burdens on small businesses. Target’s recent reopening after an eight-month closure added to the strain. Myer’s temporary closure might lead to the end of employment for non-permanent staff, with the retailer offering redeployment opportunities where possible and inviting other employees to return once the store reopens.
Other store closures and movements
Stage Two of the renovation will predominantly focus on the Myer end of the Pacific Werribee centre. These works are planned to unfold in multiple stages, starting in January 2024, and are projected to wrap up by Christmas of the same year. As a consequence, several stores are expected to undergo temporary closure or relocation during this period.
The following stores, including H&M, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Sportsgirl, Dotti, Black Art, Peter Jackson, Mecca, Mocha, T2, Pandora, Melbourne Jewellers, General Pants, Timezone, and Martini & Co, are slated for closure in early 2024 but are anticipated to resume operations in the middle of the year.
Certain retailers will temporarily shift to alternative tenancies from early 2024 until the middle of the year. These relocations include Mecca moving next to Oscar Wylee in the Northern Mall, Seed relocating next to Strand in the Northern Mall, Peter Jackson moving to the ex-Edge tenancy in the JB Hi-Fi Mall, and Pandora relocating to a kiosk opposite Converse in the Northern Mall.
Myer, JB Hi-Fi, Grill’d, San Churro, The Sporting Globe, and La Porchetta will temporarily close in March and are expected to reopen towards the end of the year.
Bras N Things will permanently relocate to a new location opposite its existing store, trading from March onward.
Village Cinemas is set to close in April, with plans to reopen before the end of the year. It’s important to note that final dates are yet to be confirmed, and the indicative timing mentioned above is subject to change. Further details will be provided as progressive staging plans are finalized.
Additionally, ongoing car park works will continue on the lower ground, ground, and level 1 of the Southern multideck car park, adjacent to the Myer tenancy, as well as the on-ground parking next to the Tavern.
