Store on target

Jessica Benton
OCEAN GROVE residents will be able to do their Christmas shopping at the soon-to-be complete Target precinct, according to the developers.
Dzine’s Michael Rus, whose company took over ownership of the retail development earlier this year, said the multi-million dollar development was earmarked for completion on October 22.
“It’ll only be the weather that might hold us up now,” he said.
“But things are moving along well now and we expect to have it complete by October 22.
“We’re a year late due to unforeseen circumstances which virtually stalled the project for 12 months, but its all good now.”
Mr Rus said the majority of the final leasing agreements had not been determined, but he said Target Country, a major pharmacy group and Gloria Jeans Coffee were confirmed tenants.
He said 10-15 expressions of interest had also been received, including a florist, two banks and a phone company.
The Independent reported in May that Target had won a court battle to resume works on the controversial Ocean Grove retail development.
The retail giant confirmed that a Victorian Supreme Court battle between previous owners, Ocean Grove Enterprises, Melbourne’s Dzine Construction Group and Target had been settled.
The $12 million retail development had been under a cloud since construction work ceased around the middle of last year.
The plaza was initially scheduled to open late last year but works stopped amid claims there were problems with powerlines and management wrangles.
The proposed retail development includes 10 specialty shops with the Target Country store as a key tenant. A kiosk and underground parking are also included.
The retail development is being leased through Knight Frank’s Tom Bite.