Development News, Shopping Center Business
Millennials Will Dig this Tram Depot Food Hall
Mirvac turns the heritage-listed Rozelle Tramsheds into a destination hall for shoppers seeking new food experiences.
If you had to draw a list of criteria necessary to get ‘eco-tainment’ focused Millennials excited about a shopping center project, Mirvac‘s Tramsheds would tick many of the boxes. Located in a restored heritage-listed Glebe depot, it’s about to launch in late August at the company’s Harold Park development as a new destination for Sydney (Australia) foodies with an appetite for fresh, locally sourced produce, artisan products, and inspiring dining experiences. It will also revive a site that had been abandoned for decades.
“Despite the building lying desolate since the 1950’s, the original structure, foundation and walls are a real feat of engineering considering the materials they would have used at the time,” noted Mark Zanetic, Mirvac’s retail project manager, in a brief.
“Restoring a heritage building of this nature was not without its challenges, more so because we [strove] to keep as many distinct features as possible, including old staircases and the brick façade. To bring such an iconic Sydney building back to life has been a very rewarding experience.”
Once the work is completed, the European-style food hall will house a 2,440 sq.m. (25,833 sq.ft.) Supamart supermarket, the Seagrass Group‘s Butcher & The Farmer shop and eatery, the Fish & Co. sustainable seafood cafe, Bodega 1904 for Brazilian tapas, Gelato Messina, Flour Eggs Water, Naked Foods, and another dozen retailers. That’s in addition to one-stop amenities such as a gym, hairdresser, nail bar, and medical center.
“The aim with Tramsheds was to create a unique destination, staying true to the building’s iconic heritage and housing high-quality retailers who are passionate about food, education and sustainability,” said retail head, Susan MacDonald.
“The food precinct, open seven days a week, will house some of the leading food [suppliers] in Sydney, offering everything from fresh produce and artisan products to a range of dining experiences under one roof.”
Tramsheds’ sustainability credentials range from a waste recycling program and energy-saving installations to access to the Jubilee Light Rail Station and a network of cycling paths that are under renovation and which dozens of bike racks placed throughout the property will complement.
Between now and August, it looks like Mirvac will be connecting with its target shoppers in a way they’ll appreciate: online. Tramsheds Harold Park has a Twitter account and Facebook page where it is not only promoting itself and imminent opening, but also some local initiatives, including the City of Sydney and University of Sydney’s Urban Foreshore Biodiversity Tour and @BIKESydney’s riding tours.