Man presenting to crowd of onlookers at the Distillery Road Market Retailer Preview

Retail interest piqued for new SEQ food destination

One hundred and fifty interested retailers attended a night of discovery, at the official unveiling of commercial leasing opportunities at Distillery Road Market (DRM).

Held onsite at Kiwanda Café on Thursday 29th August, the event combined live music, drinks and presentations from key spokespeople, including the developer of the project, Zarraffa’s Coffee entrepreneur Kenton Campbell.

Throughout the evening, attendees were presented with information designed to answer key questions about the new precinct and hear about the diverse range of flexible spaces available to establish or grow their businesses.

Director, Strategy and Sustainability at Logan City Council, David Hansen, addressed the crowd expressing positivity around the attraction of a destinational project of the scope of DRM to the city, which aligned perfectly with Logan City Council’s strategic vision for growth in the region.

Mr Hansen explained the many benefits of the DRM project for the Logan area, including the improvement of liveability for the residents, it’s influences on driving tourism to the area, as well as increased employment opportunities.

Mr Hansen affirmed that Logan City Council is fully behind the project and are eager to see the vision realised to its full potential in late 2020.

Kenton Campbell, addressed the attendees, delivering an impassioned overview of his ‘retailer first’ approach to being a landlord as CEO of Tonken Property Group, the DRM project developer.

“It will be a great environment and fair-trading platform where tenants have the opportunity to deliver something truly special and unique,” he said.

“Our trading conditions are an indication of how DRM is seeking to ensure retailers thrive with a four-day trade week, from Thursday to Sunday, with select operators given the ability to trade up to seven days a week.”

Associate Director of Retail Leasing for Colliers International, Luke McGrath, also addressed guests revealing that Colliers was initially apprehensive about taking on the project – a project that doesn’t fit the standardised shopping centre model – until they saw the vision and realised that it was going to be something special.

He explained how the precinct would operate as a proper market; an incredible experience-fuelled destination.

“With flexible lease lengths, a range of fitout inclusions and a compelling events and marketing strategy, DRM is sure to entice only the best operators in the market,” said Mr McGrath

At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees were invited to view the Zarraffa’s Coffee headquarters and the DRM space before attending an in-depth precinct leasing presentation in the new amphitheatre, showcasing the trading opportunities in further detail.

All guests were invited to fill out an expression of interest form and so far, interest is high.

“We are thrilled with the turnout to the retailer event but also in general to leasing enquiries and commercial interest,” said Mr Campbell.

“DRM is a fantastic opportunity for retailers to build their business in what is expected to be a truly exceptional market that will transform people’s expectations of what is possible from a lifestyle destination.

“We want the best operators, who see this as a home for their business. We only need one or two of each category; ultimately the opportunity is limited. But for those who are interested, I encourage you to get on board now.”

Expressions of interest can be lodged via www.drm.market or contact Luke McGrath – Colliers International luke.mcgrath@colliers.com | 0418 295 091