Marrickville Metro’s $142 million development starts

AMP Capital has commenced the Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre’s $142 million development in Sydney's inner west.

Construction began this month with expectations of completion in two years.

The development, which AMP Capital is managing on behalf of owner UniSuper, will extend the existing Metro centre to the south between Smidmore and Edinburgh Roads.

On completion the centre will be expanded from 22,000 square metres to 33,000 square metres.

It will host an additional 44 new retailers including Coles, as well as a fresh food precinct and indoor and al fresco dining options.

AMP Capital’s global head of real estate, Carmel Hourigan said the development will support the transformation occurring in the Inner West.

There are a number of other construction projects for the local area currently underway or proposed, supported by total trade area population growth of 2.3% per annum since 2011, and projected growth of 1.5% per annum, to reach a population of 440,000 by 2021.

AMP Capital anticipates the project will generate 200 construction jobs and over 600 job opportunities for the local community on completion.

The development will ‘up-cycle’ a disused industrial warehouse located next to The Metro.

Designed by Hames Sharley, ADCO Constructions has been appointed as construction partner for the development.

The majority of the works will be undertaken outside the existing centre with minimal disruption to current tenants or trading.