Coles to bring new HQ and small-format store to Docklands

Supermarket giant Coles will relocate its Victorian Store Support Centre to 720 Bourke St in Docklands, with a gradual transition planned from mid to late 2027.

The move will see thousands of Melbourne-based team members shift from the company’s long-time Hawthorn East headquarters to the Southern Cross precinct, in what is being viewed as a significant boost for Docklands and the western edge of the CBD.

Coles has confirmed that plans for the new site include a small-format Coles store as part of the development, aimed at servicing staff, visitors to the precinct and the broader Docklands community. While planning is still under way and further details are yet to be released, the inclusion of a supermarket will add to the growing mix of retail and amenity in the area.

A Coles spokesperson told Docklands News that the new location would support the company’s long-term ambitions.

Our new office space at 720 Bourke St will support Coles’ growth ambitions into the future and help us attract and retain top talent, the spokesperson said.

“This move will deliver positive outcomes for team member engagement and culture, and ultimately our customers, while improving accessibility for our Melbourne-based teams.”

The 20-level tower at 720 Bourke St, owned by Cbus Property, is currently undergoing one of Australia’s largest electrification projects ahead of Coles’ arrival. Delivered in 2014 and certified net zero carbon in operations since 2022, the building is being fully electrified as part of Coles’ 20-year lease for 30,000 square metres.

Cbus Property has confirmed that base building operations will be fully electric by the end of 2026, supported by a 99-kilowatt solar system and powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity under a power purchase agreement.

As previously reported by the Australian Financial Review, Coles’ lease covers an initial 10 floors of the building, which was vacated by insurer Medibank. The AFR reported that the decision followed a review of new-build and retrofit options, with Coles determining that adapting an existing building was more cost-effective and lower risk than pursuing a purpose-built development.

According to the AFR, the relocation also aligns with the company’s human resources strategy, with the CBD offering access to a significantly larger talent pool and better public transport connectivity than its suburban campus.

For local residents, the prospect of a new Coles store also adds another layer of convenience, complementing existing supermarkets and services in Docklands as the area continues to evolve. •