A $40 million retail centre will be built in Cobram.
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Property development group Tipalea Partners has received rezoning and development approval for Cobram Village.
The vacant site is to become a bustling retail hub, including a supermarket, speciality retail and food offerings, a medical centre and parking for more than 400 cars and additional bike racks.
On the corner of the Murray Valley Hwy and Colgan St, Cobram, Cobram Village has been designed by Melbourne architect i2C.
The project will provide more than 200 construction jobs and a further 200 on-going local jobs once the centre opens.
The shopping complex will feature a supermarket and medical centre.
Tipalea Partners chief executive Scott Spanton was thrilled to secure the approvals to progress Cobram Village.
“There is significant community demand for more retail competition and choice and the support from locals has been amazing,” he said.
“We specialise in retail development and spend a lot of time and money researching gaps in supermarkets.
“The community engagement we have had over the last few years has made it clear locals want to end the supermarket monopoly and up the ante in the local retail experience with value-adds such as parents’ rooms, kids play areas, public seating and parking that caters to disabled, elderly and parents.”
Planning for Cobram Village has been going on for about five years.
Although Cobram Village was approved by Moira Shire Council, the project was rejected by a Victorian Government panel in 2019 - a decision that has now been reversed.
“We were close to walking away at one stage but we’re really excited to be getting on with it,” Mr Spanton said.
“One thing we need post COVID-19 is more jobs and more choice.”
The project will deliver more than 200 construction jobs.
Construction starts in May 2022, with the centre open by mid-2023.
“Cobram Village was designed back in 2016 and retail has gone through quite an evolution, so we do need to make it fit-for-purpose for things like click and collect and food delivery services,” Mr Spanton said.
“Moira Shire Council has also been incredibly supportive to bring this investment, jobs and choice to Cobram and have worked closely with us to help bring our vision for Cobram Village to life.”
Moira Shire Council Mayor Libro Mustica said Cobram Village would become a prominent landmark in town.
“A development of this scale really is a game changer for employment in Moira Shire and will significantly boost local jobs during its construction and beyond,” he said.
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