The first in a series of anticipated improvements promised by the new owners of Pialba Place has been announced. Rivers Australia has signed a five-year lease agreement and is scheduled to arrive at the centre in or around August this year.
Rivers Australia is one of Australia’s most recognised fashion brands with stores located across the country.
Mr James Collis, Director at M/Group who is the new centre owner, said the new lease agreement is an early indication of great things to come, as M/Group takes further steps to evolve Hervey Bay’s local community shopping hub.
“When M/Group acquired Pialba Place in February, it did so on the premise of improving the shopping experience for customers with the introduction of a broader retail mix and the creation of an environment to suit a diverse demographic,” he said.
“It’s clear that our vision has already caught the attention of significant retail players such as Rivers. This is not only great for the local community, but also a wonderful indication of things to come.”
Rivers will occupy a space on the left-hand side of the Big W Mall and will complement the affordable fashion offer at the Centre.
Its arrival will prompt a series of relocations of existing tenants and Centre Management is working to ensure minimal disruption.
Group Centre Manager, Ms Cherie Daly, said Rivers is the first of several initiatives being introduced at the Centre, and the community can expect more exciting announcements over the coming months.
“We are extremely grateful to the commitment of our existing tenants who play a significant role in helping us deliver a great outcome for the shopping centre,” she said.
“In the coming months we hope to be announcing more new retailers and plans for a refurbishment. The company has developed a good track record in this regard and we’re so pleased that the Hervey Bay community will be reaping the benefits.”
M/Group currently owns and manages Wodonga Plaza in Victoria and Chester Pass Mall in Albany Western Australia, which both have recently received significant investment through development planning and refurbishment, attracting new tenancies and an improved shopping experience.