Melville Plaza to get $5m upgrade

Retail landlord Hawaiian will spend $5 million bringing one of the oldest shopping centres in its portfolio up to date, with work to start on a redevelopment of the 45-year-old Melville Plaza later this month.

The refurbishment will comprise re-fits of the 28 specialty stores in the centre, as well as a new-look Coles supermarket, which will feature a market-style layout, an in-store bakery, gourmet delicatessen and an open butchery.

Other new features for the Canning Highway shopping centre include al fresco dining, a community herb garden and fruit trees, a shaded playground and communal areas linked to a recently-renovated swim centre, which adjoins Melville Plaza.

Design services for the project were provided by i2C Design & Management.

Hawaiian chief executive Russell Gibbs said a lot of time and consideration was put into creating a plan that would result in Melville Plaza becoming a meeting place, rather than simply a conventional neighbourhood shopping centre.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed by November.