Target Australia confirmed it will move its national headquarters to Williams Landing, Cedar Woods' master planned development in western Melbourne.
Target signed a 10-year agreement for lease with Cedar Woods for a 12,600 square metre office building over eight levels that will cater for 850 employees.
The building, designed by Robert Puksand of Gray Puksand architects, will be located in a prominent position adjacent to Williams Landing train station and be constructed by Hacer Group at a cost of $37 million.
Developed by Cedar Woods, Williams Landing is located at the gateway to the Melbourne western corridor and was designated as a Priority Development Zone by the Victorian Government.
Cedar Woods Chief Operating Officer Nathan Blackburne said Target’s move to Williams Landing represented a stimulus to Melbourne’s growing western corridor.
“Target’s move to Williams Landing signifies the increasing breadth and depth of economic activity occurring in Melbourne’s western growth corridor and reinforces Williams Landing’s appeal as an attractive and growing commercial centre," he said.
"We anticipate Target’s move will stimulate interest from other leading businesses seeking to base themselves at Williams Landing.”
An analysis prepared by economists MacroPlan Dimasi showed that Williams Landing has the potential to accommodate more than 13,000 jobs by 2031.
“From a business perspective, the town centre has many great attributes," Mr Blackburne said.
"It is adjacent to the new train station and freeway interchange; it is affordable compared to city options; and it is set in a town centre environment with shopping, café and restaurants."Target staff will have generous parking provisions and easy access to the Princes Freeway. Public transport will be well catered for, with the Williams Landing train station providing express services to Melbourne’s CBD within 30 minutes.
Construction was scheduled to begin in June and reach completion by the end of 2018.
Image courtesy Gray Puksand architects.