The District Docklands transformation continues, with further planning in place to reinvigorate the Docklands’ precinct.
Following the rebrand in November 2017, the Centre has seen significant changes on its journey to transforming into an urban village; an integrated retail, entertainment and leisure precinct. The Centre has undergone an extensive makeover with a distinct focus on landscaping, setting a new benchmark for the greening of urban renewal projects. The rebrand encompassed the opening of international retail brands H&M, Canterbury and Miniso as well as national brands including Skechers, Hype DC, Oxford, Kathmandu, Sunglass Hut, Vodafone and more. endota Wellness College opened a Registered Training Organisation at The District, offering evolved collection of creative courses and nationally recognised training in Beauty, Makeup, Massage and Business.
During 2018, The District appointed new CEO George Karabatsos to further focus on the acceleration of the regeneration project and complete the transformation. In December 2018, Australia’s most technologically advanced 8-auditorium HOYTS opened its doors, featuring Dolby Atmos surround sound and cinemas fitted with Australia’s award-winning RGB laser projection by Christie Digital Systems, plus all recliner seats. Adding further to the entertainment, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq by Funlab (the company behind Strike Bowling and Holey Moley) opened a circus-themes leisure-tainment wonderland, a hub with ‘kidult’ activities including arcade games, bowling, dodgems and more.
The District is quickly becoming a go-to destination for food, with a world of flavour now open, including first to Melbourne 8 Street, an Asian hawker-style restaurant and a microbrewery by Urban Alley Brewery. Opening in the coming months, The Pancake Parlour and Tho Tho Bar & Restaurant along with other new food operators.
Also coming to the precinct in Autumn 2019 is global fashion brand Uniqlo, offering the brand’s full range of Life-Wear apparel for men, women, children and babies. Uniqlo’s arrival further demonstrates the Centre’s transformation and solidifies The District’s position as an important part of Melbourne’s leisure, lifestyle and retail tapestry.
In late 2019, The District is set to open Market Lane, an exciting fresh food experience featuring Woolworths supermarket, Dan Murphy’s, a large-scale Sunlit Asian grocer, Marketplace Fresh and some of Melbourne’s best gourmet offers delivering a diverse and exceptional variety. In addition, a Medical Centre as well as health and beauty services in the existing Centre will complete the convenience offer.
Construction has commenced on the first Marriott Hotel in Australia in over 20 years, featuring 200 hotel rooms and 105 residences; The Docklands Residences. The Docklands Residences will be a landmark of luxury living inspired by the timeless style of the city at its door. Its’ location is perfectly positioned above The District, the gateway to the city from the west. A planning permit has also been approved for an 8,000sqm office building to be built above The District. WOODWORK will become Melbourne’s first cross laminated timber (CLT) commercial building, with features including quality spaces with abundant natural light and 24/7 access to world class end-of-trip facilities within the space.
In the next 12 months, The District will provide a complete offer to meet the needs of Docklands residents, workers and visitors from near and far, offering an eclectic mix of fresh food, shopping and entertainment, which will cement it as one of Melbourne’s must visit destinations.
