MLC Centre co-owners, The GPT Group and QIC, have announced a new supermarket lease with IGA, which will complete stage one of the centre’s $165 million redevelopment.
Marked for completion in late 2015, the 1000sqm boutique supermarket will open beneath the MLC Centre’s new food court, also schedule to open later this year.
The IGA Romeo’s Food Hall will also offer online shopping as well as click and collect from the MLC Centre store.
The centre’s food court will include Neil Perry’s Burger Project, as well as eight new new retailers from a range of local and national operators including Bun Me, Schnitz, Top Juice, Sumo Salad’s Green Label concept, and Famous Fish Co by Costi.
GPT’s Head of Investment Management for Office, David Burgess said the introduction of IGA Romeo’s Food Hall continued to build on the quality retail offer at the MLC Centre.
“We are just putting the finishing touches on the ‘new look’ MLC Centre food court and now we can announce the arrival of IGA Romeo’s Food Hall, within the MLC Centre and linked to Martin Place train station,” Burgess said.
“It will deliver a tailored and highly convenient supermarket for CBD commuters and further build on the MLC Centre’s position as a focal point for eating, shopping and socialising in the city.
“This will round out stage one of the development works for the MLC Centre and paves the way for the Stage Two retail development, which is due to begin in 2016, subject to approvals.”
The introduction of the supermarket will also mark extended trading hours for the MLC Centre, with the supermarket to trade from 6am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 6am to 10pm on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays.
“The changes will boost the MLC Centre’s nighttime and weekend offering, complementing its traditionally strong trading during the CBD lunchtime period,” Burgess said.
Joseph Romeo, store owner of IGA’s Romeo’s Food Hall said the store has been designed to accommodate the changing demographic of the city – city workers, commuters, shoppers and residents living and socialising in the city.
“As a successful independent retailer we have been providing service, quality and fresh produce to Sydney shoppers for many years and IGA’s Romeo’s Food Hall is the next step up in retailing for the Group.
“IGA Romeo’s Food Hall will be tailored to the needs of locals and includes such features a cheese bar with a resident connoisseur, a bakery that produces fresh bread and a premium meat section, catering to discerning foodies.
“Whether shoppers are looking for quality take home meals, everyday grocery lines, health foods or fresh produce, we guarantee convenience and competitive prices,” said Romeo.
The Romeo Group operates 29 stores across NSW and South Australia.
