District Docklands presents plans

About 60 guests joined the Docklands Networking Lunch at Berth restaurant on September 22 to hear about Harbour Town’s exciting transformation.

Harbour Town’s marketing director Kelly Jensen presented plans of the soon-to-be District Docklands, a one-stop shopping and entertainment destination for locals and tourists.

Ms Jensen said the first stage of the makeover would be “getting the feel right”.

“Welcoming new retailers, launching new brands and disassociating ourselves from some of the legacy issues and moving forward with our identity,” she said.

International fashion brand H&M, a full-line Woolworths supermarket and a Hoyts cinema will anchor District Docklands’ fashion, fresh food and entertainment precincts.

A new roof and wind barriers are being installed at the centre to allow for a seamless shopping experience under all weather conditions.

Ms Jensen also said District Docklands would have a stronger connection to the rest of the city.

“One of the biggest focuses for us is making sure we are connected. There was this idea that we were not well connected to the CBD,” she said.

“We have this great chance and we will continue to catch up more. Visitors will go through Docklands Drive and Footscray Road to visit the centre and will have the opportunity to see something new.”

The $150 million redevelopment will take place over different stages, with H&M arriving later this year, Hoyts opening in mid-2018 and Woolworths and the fresh food marketplace completing in mid-2019.

Other international retailers, such as Miniso and Canterbury, new restaurants and cafes, fresh food provedores, and the five-star Marriott hotel will further enhance the District Docklands’ status as the ultimate destination in Docklands and Melbourne.

The Docklands Networking Lunch is organised by Docklands News and sponsored by the Docklands Chamber of Commerce.

The next lunch will be held on Friday, November 24 and a venue will be announced soon.