Benoy share plans for Mandurah Forum

UK architectural firm Benoy have been appointed with the $300 million redevelopment and expansion of Mandurah Forum.

The redevelopment features 24,000 square metres of new retail floor space and the existing centre will be completely revitalised.

Benoy, the global studio of architects, masterplanners, interior and graphic designers, announced Mandurah Forum and Galleria Shopping Centre would be the company’s first projects in Australia.

In a statement, Benoy announced it was working with developer Federation Centres to complete the significant redevelopment and expansion of the two regional retail centres.

Benoy will lead the interior design concept and collaborate with local practice and project architect Hames Sharley with the malls and public areas.

The concept design draws inspiration from the geography of the surrounding Mandurah area and the relaxed coastal lifestyle; celebrating the city’s location with the seaside to the west and hills to the east.

The concept will help to create a different character for each of the zones and provide a balanced retail experience for the development as a whole.

Benoy director Robert Bishop said retail centres were becoming increasingly leisure orientated, with an emphasis on food and beverage, fresh markets and spaces for ‘pop-up’ and independent retailers.

“The new Mandurah Forum will accommodate these activities in an attractive and partially externalised environment,” he said.

Benoy global commercial director Tom Cartledge said entering Australia was a milestone for Benoy.

“These appointments with Federation Centres reflect Benoy’s reputation in the international retail sector and what we, as a design firm, can bring to the Australian market,” he said.

Benoy director Jacqueline Beckingham said the company were working around the world with clients as they invest in renewing their assets as an alternative to building new.

“To the benefit of the schemes we are working on in Australia, we bring our international expertise and the insights we have gained from successfully repositioning developments across the UK, the UAE, Europe and Asia,” she said.

“As we help these centres reach their full potential, our goal is to make their visitors fall in love, or back in love, with them as destinations.

“From the small scale enhancements to the comprehensive overhauls, we look forward to delivering these reinvigorated retail environments in Australia to delight and surprise the catchments of this development.”