Melbourne’s prime shopping strip investment market is set for its first test of the new financial year, with the long-term home of the Commonwealth Bank branch in renowned Acland Street, St Kilda going to auction in early August.
Fitzroys’ Mark Talbot and David Bourke are marketing 133 Acland Street, which will go to auction on Thursday, 8 August at 1pm on-site.
Expectations are of $4 million-plus.
The distinctive and high-profile 233sqm building, which recently underwent a major refurbishment, is on a 460sqm Commercial 1-zoned site within a precinct world-renowned for its lively day and night trade and home to some of Melbourne’s best hospitality, nightlife and entertainment venues including Stokehouse, Donovans, The Palais, The Espy, Luna Park, Village Belle, The Vineyard, Flour Child, Abbey Road, Lona Bar and more.
CBA has a secure 7+5+5-year lease that returns $218,545.40 per annum plus outgoings. The major lender has been at the premises for over 50 years and had previously owned the property.
Talbot and Bourke are managing the campaign on behalf of private vendors who have owned the property for 26 years.
“Prime Acland Street, St Kilda assets are incredibly tightly held. This is a generational opportunity to buy an irreplaceable freehold investment in the prime of Acland Street, St Kilda,” Talbot said.
Bourke noted CBA recently undertook a major renovation of the property and committed to a long-term lease.
“This show of confidence in the location from a blue-chip tenant reflects the anticipated uplift in trade along Acland Street, in line with the renewal and activation of the surrounds.
“The offering comes at a time of much-anticipated renewal and activation for the surrounding area. Gurner has recently delivered the $540 million Saint Moritz residential project, while numerous developments are earmarked for nearby Fitzroy Street, and Port Phillip Council has flagged multiple invigoration initiatives for the strip, as well as plans for a new entertainment venue at the adjacent St Kilda Triangle site.”
Bourke said there are a number of Melbourne shopping strips experiencing a period of generational renewal.
“Developments on and around the strips are underpinning future trade and rent prospects,” he said.
Bourke said Acland Street is host to a number of recognised national and local retailers including Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, Readings, Kookai and more.
“Acland Street attract large crowds of visitors, tourists and backpacker throughout all hours of the day and into the night across the entire calendar year, with boosts from a number of special events such as the St Kilda Festival and concerts at The Palais,” Bourke said.
The location of 133 Acland Street is further enhanced by the tram stop at its door step, providing direct access to premier office boulevard, St Kilda Road, as well as the CBD, and also recreational amenities including Albert Park Lake, St Kilda Botanical Gardens and the St Kilda Foreshore.