Global design studio Benoy has revealed the concept plans for the interiors of the massive AU$350 million redevelopment of Mandurah Forum in Western Australia. Benoy, the global studio of architects, masterplanners, interior designers and graphic designers, had confirmed their involvement last year as the Concept Interior Designer collaborating with local practice and Project Architect Hames Sharley. Mandurah Forum is one of the firm’s first appointments in Australia.
Located in Mandurah, Western Australia’s second largest city, Mandurah Forum will become one of the state’s largest regional shopping centres following the completion of the redevelopment project. Benoy’s Teams are delivering their design expertise to the malls and public areas.
Benoy Director Robert Bishop said their work with clients around the world indicated a marked increase in investments to renew existing schemes as an alternative to building new. The Mandurah Forum project presents an excellent opportunity for Benoy to bring their international expertise to the Australian market and to help shape a significant addition to Western Australia’s retail offering.
The upgrade will transform Mandurah Forum into a major regional retail destination, doubling the size of the 30-year-old shopping centre, and expanding its retail floor space by an additional 26,200sqm, which will include two additional department stores and more than 220 new speciality stores.
The development is following the trend to become more leisure-orientated, placing an emphasis on food and beverage offers, fresh markets and spaces for ‘pop-up’ and independent retailers, and is embracing an indoor-outdoor concept with a new partially externalised area.
Drawing inspiration from the geography of the surrounding Mandurah area and the relaxed coastal lifestyle, the development’s concept design will help to create a different character for each of the zones and provide a balanced retail experience for the development as a whole.
Working within an open network of global studios, the Benoy Teams undertaking the project in Australia are located in the firm’s London and Newark Studios, and supported by their on-the-ground presence in Melbourne.
Construction will commence on Mandurah Forum this month and the development is due to be completed by 2018.
