As Melton rapidly emerges as one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing residential areas, a transformative project is poised to redefine the region’s commercial and retail landscape. West Pines, strategically positioned at the gateway of Melton at the intersection of High Street, the Western Freeway, and Melton Highway, stands as a beacon of economic growth and community development.

West Pines elevates Melton’s retail and commercial offerings with an impressive roster of major retailers, including Bunnings, Officeworks, Supercheap Auto, and BCF, among others. Spearheaded by the innovative minds at Citinova and the Pelligra Group, this project promises to bring a dynamic array of services and amenities to the area, marking a significant milestone in Melton City’s development.

The vision for West Pines extends far beyond traditional retail spaces. Citinova and the Pelligra Group have conceived a multifaceted commercial hub designed to serve current residents and accommodate future generations, as the City of Melton’s population is set to double by 2051.

This 38-hectare site, designated as a long-term project spanning 10-20 years, underscores the consortium’s commitment to Melton’s growth. As long-term investors, they view West Pines as a generational legacy, aiming to provide sustained economic benefits and community enhancements.

Central to this expansive development is The Lifestyle Centre, a Large Format Retail precinct that caters to diverse shopping needs. Complementing this retail hub will be various fast-food operations, warehouse facilities, a childcare centre, and an industrial mix, all designed to foster economic opportunities and broaden business amenities for Melton’s burgeoning population.

At the recent grand opening of The Lifestyle Centre, Sam Polimeni, Director of Citinova, articulates the project’s broader vision, stating, “We’re building an Industrial Business Park at the back, so budding entrepreneurs and businesses in the area can expand, creating more employment for the community.” This sentiment reflects the project’s goal of enhancing retail offerings while driving local employment and business growth.

Sam further emphasises the consortium’s commitment to Melton, saying, “We just want to be a part of what we believe Melton can become – a thriving business community.” This aspiration is central to the ethos of West Pines, as it seeks to contribute to a vibrant and prosperous community.

Sam Polimeni, Director of Citinova

The consortium’s dedication to Melton is further solidified with the announcement of their next major project in the area. Junction 65, an 8.5-hectare site adjoining West Pines on south of High Street, will host additional large format retailers, forming a large homemaker precinct. The project, poised to attract even more high-profile brands into the area, is now leasing. For more information, visit Citinova.com.au.

West Pines Lifestyle Centre is poised to make its grand entrance on March 2, 2024, with a free-for-all Family Fun Day. It aims to bring the local community together to celebrate with the centre’s major retailers.

The event marks a significant milestone for the development. Here, we look back at the very start of its journey.

The consortium of Pelligra Family and Citinova bought the land in 2014. They purchased 100 acres of land (38 hectares) that was zoned as industrial land with no available services or infrastructure, and over the past 10 years have transformed the paddock into a vibrant centre.

"We focus on emerging areas, like Melton, which was originally planned as a satellite city 40-50 years ago. While its population took time to grow, we see Melton is now on the verge of connecting Rockbank and Melbourne. Driven by a notable surge in activity, it has captured our interest." – Sam Polimeni, Director of Citinova

With the vision that Melton will soon become one of Melbourne's fastest-growing residential areas, Citinova acknowledges that West Pines will be a 10-20 year project. As long-term investors, they view it as a generational commitment for current and future family members of the consortium, making West Pines a promising investment.

The foresight of the developers has now been realized. Melton has had immense population growth over the past 2 years and is expected to double to 416,106 by 2051, according to RP Data.

“Melton has been a growth corridor for quite some time now, with lots of young families and working-class people. I think BCF fits into that demographic really well. We want to help Melton grow and best serve those families,” said Daniel Geary, BCF Store Manager.

West Pines is positioned at the gateway of Melton, sitting at the convergence of key arterials of High St, the Western Freeway, and Melton Highway. With a stellar roster of major retailers including Bunnings, Officeworks, Supercheap Auto, BCF, and other major retailers, West Pines is set to boost Melton's retail and commercial offerings.

“Officeworks is always looking to grow our business and Melton is a vibrant and diverse suburb with lots of schools and families. With the closest Officeworks at Caroline Springs 20 minutes east, we saw the growing demand in the western suburbs.” Said Anthony Dalakian, Officeworks Store Business Manager

Indeed, the visionary team at Citinova and Pelligra Group has shaped the narrative of West Pines. Their vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, weaving a tale that transcends brick and mortar.

This expansive 38-hectare site signifies a multifaceted commercial hub. Featuring The Lifestyle Centre – a Large Format Retail precinct, numerous fast-food operations, warehouse facilities, a childcare centre, and an industrial mix — West Pines will open economic opportunities and extend retail and business amenities for Melton's thriving community.

The Family Fun Day

This event features an enticing lineup of activities to engage all members of families. Kids will enjoy the thrill of a giant waterslide, an inflatable obstacle course, and a mechanical ride that promises excitement, while parents and young adults will be entertained by good food, live music, car and camping shows. For the youngest family members, there will be face painting and giant bubble shows and craft activities.

“The community can come to Melton Officeworks and enjoy free activities including an arts and crafts workshop, exclusive giveaways and complimentary coffee.” Said Anthony Dalakian, Officeworks Store Business Manager

The grand opening isn't just about bringing people into the stores; it's about forging connections within the community. Collaborations with major retailers aim to infuse joy into the lives of children and young families, fostering unity and excitement within the Melton community.

"I see the launch as a celebration of a significant milestone. What was once just a bare paddock with no services has now transformed into a thriving retail hub. Looking ahead, we anticipate further growth, envisioning it as a flourishing industrial hub for small and medium-sized businesses," said Sam Polimeni.

Citinova’s commitment to the Melton community does not end with the West Pines retail precinct. With the anticipation of an influx of small businesses, there is a vision that West Pines will become a hub for emerging enterprises, fostering employment and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

They anticipate the launch of the West Pines Lifestyle Centre will be a platform for everyone to familiarize themselves with the development, its amenities, the retailers, and gain insight into future industrial plans.

Adjacent to West Pines, Citinova is about to embark on Junction 65, an 8.49-hectare site designed to become a Homemaker Centre. Focused on accessibility, ample parking, and sustainable construction, Junction 65 is set to house more national retailers that offer home improvement products for both families and trades.

The Family Fun Day will mark a historic milestone for Citinova’s achievement at West Pines. Beyond the immediate celebration lies the promise of a lasting impact on Melton City — a promise of growth, unity, and a better future for the community.

The ‘Open Lobby’ design features lounge areas, flexible meeting spaces and plenty of charging ports for guests’ personal devices.

Holiday Inn Werribee

Holiday Inn’s innovative ‘Open Lobby’ concept has made its debut in Australia, with IHG Hotels and Resorts today opening its newest hotel in the outer Melbourne suburb of Werribee.

The new Holiday Inn Werribee features 150 rooms and sits within a mixed-use development on Synnot Street, offering views towards the Melbourne city skyline.

Guest facilities at the new hotel include the onsite Rosana Bistro and Bar, which serves a modern Australian menu with local produce.

Holiday Inn Werribee Open Lobby

The Open Lobby concept along with a lounge area and ‘E-Bar’ tech area with access to computer, power points for charging devices and wireless printing. The ultra-modern rooms will offer comfortable bedding, high-speed WiFi and large smart televisions.

A variety of flexible meeting spaces also feature as part of an overall 491 square metres of function and event rooms, headlined by the 240-seat Cheetham Ballroom and a spacious pre-function area with open-air balcony.

Debuting with Werribee, the brand’s Open Lobby concept will feature in six other Holiday Inn properties opening over the next few years, including Holiday Inn properties in Geelong, Coburg, Dandenong, Richmond and a dual-branded property coming to the Melbourne CBD. The Open Lobby will also be found at Queenstown in New Zealand upon the opening of its new Holiday Inn. The design will eventually be retrofitted across the existing suite of Holiday Inn properties in Australasia.

Rosanna Bar

The new approach to lobby design sees a blending of the front desk, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one highly flexible space. At the same time, an update of the overall design will see a more modern look adapted to suit consumer needs and each individual hotel’s character and surroundings, while providing a positive customer experience throughout.

Holiday Inn Werribee General Manager, Preston Miskelly, said the team was excited to open and welcome the first guests to the hotel.

“We are especially excited about our open lobby with its floor to ceiling windows and amazing views, not only does it give our guests a warm and welcoming place to relax, work or socialise, it is also home to our modern restaurant and bar,” he said.

Rosanna Bistrol

“It is the ideal location to enjoy dinner or drinks with family and friends as you watch the sun go down.”

The Open Lobby concept was devised following significant research from IHG, with design teams poring over consumer data and research which looked at how people use space at home and how this can be combined and delivered in one engaging, functional and productive space. Since its debut, Open Lobby has resulted in an uptick in guest feedback and improved revenue at F&B venues.

The ‘Open Lobby’ design features lounge areas, flexible meeting spaces and plenty of charging ports for guests’ personal devices.

Holiday Inn Werribee

Holiday Inn’s innovative ‘Open Lobby’ concept has made its debut in Australia, with IHG Hotels and Resorts today opening its newest hotel in the outer Melbourne suburb of Werribee.

The new Holiday Inn Werribee features 150 rooms and sits within a mixed-use development on Synnot Street, offering views towards the Melbourne city skyline.

Guest facilities at the new hotel include the onsite Rosana Bistro and Bar, which serves a modern Australian menu with local produce.

Holiday Inn Werribee Open Lobby

The Open Lobby concept along with a lounge area and ‘E-Bar’ tech area with access to computer, power points for charging devices and wireless printing. The ultra-modern rooms will offer comfortable bedding, high-speed WiFi and large smart televisions.

A variety of flexible meeting spaces also feature as part of an overall 491 square metres of function and event rooms, headlined by the 240-seat Cheetham Ballroom and a spacious pre-function area with open-air balcony.

Debuting with Werribee, the brand’s Open Lobby concept will feature in six other Holiday Inn properties opening over the next few years, including Holiday Inn properties in Geelong, Coburg, Dandenong, Richmond and a dual-branded property coming to the Melbourne CBD. The Open Lobby will also be found at Queenstown in New Zealand upon the opening of its new Holiday Inn. The design will eventually be retrofitted across the existing suite of Holiday Inn properties in Australasia.

Rosanna Bar

The new approach to lobby design sees a blending of the front desk, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one highly flexible space. At the same time, an update of the overall design will see a more modern look adapted to suit consumer needs and each individual hotel’s character and surroundings, while providing a positive customer experience throughout.

Holiday Inn Werribee General Manager, Preston Miskelly, said the team was excited to open and welcome the first guests to the hotel.

“We are especially excited about our open lobby with its floor to ceiling windows and amazing views, not only does it give our guests a warm and welcoming place to relax, work or socialise, it is also home to our modern restaurant and bar,” he said.

Rosanna Bistrol

“It is the ideal location to enjoy dinner or drinks with family and friends as you watch the sun go down.”

The Open Lobby concept was devised following significant research from IHG, with design teams poring over consumer data and research which looked at how people use space at home and how this can be combined and delivered in one engaging, functional and productive space. Since its debut, Open Lobby has resulted in an uptick in guest feedback and improved revenue at F&B venues.

The ‘Open Lobby’ design features lounge areas, flexible meeting spaces and plenty of charging ports for guests’ personal devices.

Holiday Inn Werribee

Holiday Inn’s innovative ‘Open Lobby’ concept has made its debut in Australia, with IHG Hotels and Resorts today opening its newest hotel in the outer Melbourne suburb of Werribee.

The new Holiday Inn Werribee features 150 rooms and sits within a mixed-use development on Synnot Street, offering views towards the Melbourne city skyline.

Guest facilities at the new hotel include the onsite Rosana Bistro and Bar, which serves a modern Australian menu with local produce.

Holiday Inn Werribee Open Lobby

The Open Lobby concept along with a lounge area and ‘E-Bar’ tech area with access to computer, power points for charging devices and wireless printing. The ultra-modern rooms will offer comfortable bedding, high-speed WiFi and large smart televisions.

A variety of flexible meeting spaces also feature as part of an overall 491 square metres of function and event rooms, headlined by the 240-seat Cheetham Ballroom and a spacious pre-function area with open-air balcony.

Debuting with Werribee, the brand’s Open Lobby concept will feature in six other Holiday Inn properties opening over the next few years, including Holiday Inn properties in Geelong, Coburg, Dandenong, Richmond and a dual-branded property coming to the Melbourne CBD. The Open Lobby will also be found at Queenstown in New Zealand upon the opening of its new Holiday Inn. The design will eventually be retrofitted across the existing suite of Holiday Inn properties in Australasia.

Rosanna Bar

The new approach to lobby design sees a blending of the front desk, restaurant, bar, lounge area and business centre into one highly flexible space. At the same time, an update of the overall design will see a more modern look adapted to suit consumer needs and each individual hotel’s character and surroundings, while providing a positive customer experience throughout.

Holiday Inn Werribee General Manager, Preston Miskelly, said the team was excited to open and welcome the first guests to the hotel.

“We are especially excited about our open lobby with its floor to ceiling windows and amazing views, not only does it give our guests a warm and welcoming place to relax, work or socialise, it is also home to our modern restaurant and bar,” he said.

Rosanna Bistrol

“It is the ideal location to enjoy dinner or drinks with family and friends as you watch the sun go down.”

The Open Lobby concept was devised following significant research from IHG, with design teams poring over consumer data and research which looked at how people use space at home and how this can be combined and delivered in one engaging, functional and productive space. Since its debut, Open Lobby has resulted in an uptick in guest feedback and improved revenue at F&B venues.

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