Kilmore’s first ever major retail hub is set to open on Saturday.
Kilmore Village, anchored by Woolworths and BWS, will feature 12 speciality shops at the north of the town, opposite Coles, Aldi and McDonalds.
Among the stores are Anna Nails; Zen Home, Smokemart; Tatts Newsagency; Uncle Jak’s; Direct Chemist; Casual Cuts; Juicy Fruits; and Mrs Pho.
Smokin Joe’s Pizza and Grill will set up its first full restaurant, complemented by a takeaway service, in the building nearest the Northern Highway.
Liquor store The Premix King will also set up an outlet in the front building.
Woolworths will open on Friday, with speciality shops to follow over coming weeks.
Centre manager Ana Zammit said the opening of the new centre was an exciting time for Kilmore.
“We’re looking forward to our grand opening on Saturday,” she said.
“Quite a few shops will be open on Saturday, and then others will open in followig weeks.”
The grand opening will feature award-winning busker Tim Scanlan, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, pictured above, who have just returned from the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Optimus Prime and face painting.
OKR FM will also host a live broadcast from 11am to 2pm at the Kilmore Village opening, giving the public a chance to meet the community radio station’s presenters and a chance to win prizes.
The Lions Club will cook a barbecue with meat donated by Woolworths – raising money through gold coin donations.
Ms Zammit said Kilmore Village was now a sponsor of Kilmore Football Netball Club and a financial supporter of Kilmore SES.
“We’re trying to be a part of the community and doing our best to give a little back,” she said.
“We’re also open to new opportunities to assist community groups.”
Troon Group assets manager Garrath Holdstock said Kilmore was selected to build the shopping centre due to its high growth.
“We normally target high growth regional communities of which Kilmore is one,” he said.
“We usually partner with Woolworths or Coles and they do a lot of research about where is best and then we bring it to life.”
Mr Holdstock said Kilmore Village would offer residents a shopping destination based on service and convenience.
“It won’t offer fashion like large shopping centres, it’s more a place for people to call in after work for their convenience,” he said.
Kilmore Village, with 235 car parks, will be open seven days a week, from 7am to 10pm.
For more information, visit www.kilmorevillage.com.au.
