Retailers are looking beyond the COVID period and taking up prized Collins Street spaces in anticipation of the reopening of Melbourne’s famed CBD.
Fitzroys Director, Rick Berry has leased 243 Collins Street to jewellers Artelia, which is making the pointed addition to its Westfield Fountain Gate shopping centre site - some 50 kilometres away - with a site in the CBD, and on a long 7+5-year term.
“Whilst the CBD is currently difficult, businesses are looking to next year,” Berry said.
“Retailers are taking the opportunity to secure a quality Collins Street address in preparation for 2022 as the city reopens.
“History shows that when things pick up, getting these spaces is extremely difficult.”
The 95sqm space is on the corner of Manchester Lane, home to a number of edgy fashion outlets and which provides a direct link to the historic rag trade precinct of Flinders Lane.
“As our brand has developed, we have been looking for opportunities to reimagine European-style interior design,” says Maria Ulas, who runs the Artelia business with husband Roberto.
“That would require having our own shopfront, and where better than Collins Street?”
Maria said Artelia’s comprehensive fit-out will reflect its point-of-difference as a bespoke jeweller, while bringing the glamorous style of fabled European jewellers to Melbourne. Customers will be served over a marble bar, with a lounge area serving champagne crowned by a marble fireplace is being imported from Italy - all under eight chandeliers.
“We’ve just seen the success of the Vincenzaoro Jewellery Boutique show in Italy, which attracted visitors across the world. We’re fully expecting the return of travellers to the CBD, and excited to bring a unique jewellery experience to one of the city’s famous lifestyle precincts,” Roberto says.
Major lender NAB is also optimising its branch presence on Collins Street, opening a new-format space within the Cbus Property’s $1.25 billion Collins Arch project at 447 Collins Street. Fitzroys leases the retail component of Collins Arch along with Cushman & Wakefield.
Following NAB’s relocation, Fitzroys is currently marketing an amazing Art Deco space over two levels at 460 Collins Street, at the corner of William Street. The ultra-rare offering comprises a high-clearance 413sqm ground level space together with a 126sqm basement level. The space retains the heritage features from the original 1930s bank chamber.
In the Paris end, Fitzroys recently leased 15 Collins Street to Austria-based Wolford. The brand has been long-established in Australia and fitted-out the 80sqm shop to showcase the just-released 2021 international store format.