Forges of Footscray to Become Fresh Food and Variety Goods Market
Under the development proposal, discount retailer Forges is expected to occupy a 1,500 square metre piece of the development, retaining its prominent Nicholson Street Mall frontage.
At the rear of the Mall, on a site with frontage to Albert and Paisley streets, the variety goods and clothing market will be developed. On the western side of Albert Street, a fresh produce market selling a comprehensive range of Asian-based ingredients and materials, will be established.
Speaking on behalf of the site’s new owner, Vinci Carbone director Joseph Carbone said the 8,000 square metre market will trade for at least the next three to five years, until plans are finalised and approved for a larger development.
The Forges site, being in central Footscray, is eventually expected to make way for a high density village of apartments, offices and multi-level retail.
The Dimmeys company, which owns Forges, sold the prominent Dimmeys Swan Street Richmond store last July to property developer Joel Freeman, who is proposing a nine-level, 89 unit apartment building on land at the rear of the site.
The sell-off by Dimmeys is part of a change in marketing strategy to occupy smaller stores in a greater number of areas.
