The Sussan Retail Group will open a Sportsgirl outlet at Centre Road, Bentleigh in Melbourne, adding to its retail footprint on the revitalised strip that is attracting national tenants.

The group, which already has its Sussan and Suzanne Grae stores on the road, has secured a five-year lease at over $80,000 per annum.

Mark Talbot, Fitzroys division director, who secured the lease said there has been a string of national tenants seeking to lease prime retail spaces in the strip with Suzanne’s store openings representing a counter move to the perceived challenges of the current retail climate.

“The renewal of the area around the train station and level crossing has seen traffic and pedestrian flows improved, and they see the project underpinning the growth of the strip in the long-term,” Talbot said.

Talbot added that’s why the Sussan Retail Group chose the precinct for their new store as they see Centre Road as an established, secure, highly sought after location.

Sportsgirl is expected to open ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period.

According to Talbot, the growing number of residential projects around the area had further bolstered the immediate catchment of the strip, also creating further demand for food and hospitality services.

Talbot said he has also just leased a nearby premises to cult burger restaurant and food truck Mr Burger, which has opened as the group’s first concept store with a new menu.

It is also its first permanent location in Melbourne’s bayside region, which Talbot said again pointed to the security and high regard for the retail road.

Fitzroys’ Walk the Strip report shows it is the more recent revolution of medium density mixed-use retail and residential developments that has further accentuated the extended trading cycles of centres such as Centre Road, Bentleigh and added to their vibrancy.

Extended trading hours, social advancement and changes in entertainment trends and lifestyle choices have seen a proliferation of food and beverage outlets in the area, encompassing cafes, restaurants, take-aways or licenced premises.

The Mr Burger lease was also struck at over $80,000 per annum.

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