Your daily commute is about to get tastier! An exciting lineup of  major retailers have been announced at the Metro Tunnel stations. Local heroes IGA, People’s Coffee and Sushi Sushi, and global retailers Starbucks, KFC and 7-Eleven are among some of the businesses to join the retail experience in the new world-class stations, set to open in 2025.  

With almost 4000sqm of retail on offer, the tenancies will blend local charm and international favourites at Arden Station in North Melbourne, Parkville Station in the heart of the Parkville health  and education precinct, Anzac Station in St Kilda Road’s commercial and residential precinct, and State Library and Town Hall stations in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.  

Tom Larwill, Associate Director of Colliers Retail Leasing, and Thomas Macrae Senior Executive, Retail Leasing, have been appointed to lease the retail space on behalf of the Cross Yarra  Partnership – a consortium comprising investors Capella Capital, Lendlease, John Holland, John Laing and Bouyges Construction. 

Aoife Kealy, Director, Commercial Development and Services at Cross Yarra Partnership said: “When the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025, it will transform how commuters, visitors and shoppers engage  with the city.  

“We are committed to providing an exceptional retail experience that meets the needs of Melburnians, visitors to our city and the local community by enriching their journeys through the  Metro Tunnel stations.” 

Mr Larwill added, “To meet the needs of the anticipated commuter traffic, we are providing high quality retail amenities across each station, featuring some of Melbourne's favourite retailers to  enhance the passenger experience.”

“The level of interest received from retailers is a clear indication of the excitement and confidence  around the Metro Tunnel Project in Melbourne,” Mr Larwill expanded. 

The biggest upgrade of Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened over 40 years ago, the  Metro Tunnel will transform travel and Melbourne’s rail network by connecting the Sunbury,  Cranbourne and Pakenham lines via a new tunnel and five new stations beneath the city, adding  capacity for thousands more passengers daily.  

Nik Potter, Associate Director of Research at Colliers, said, "Retail is a key component for shaping the  future of our cities and Melbourne's growing population, which is forecast to see the highest  population growth nationally over the next ten years. According to the Australian Government  Centre for Population Projections, that will make Melbourne Australia's largest city." 

Colliers Research noted that retail spending throughout Victoria has remained fairly stable despite the macroeconomic climate. It grew +2.8% in June 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. The  twelve-month Moving Annual Total (MAT) growth in the state sits at +1.7%. 

"The growth throughout Victoria is supported by strong MAT growth to June 2024 of +8.1% for  Restaurants, Cafes and Takeaway Food, which is the highest growth nationally for this category," explained Mr Potter. "With the secured tenants at the Metro Tunnel's five new stations weighing  towards a majority of food and beverage providers, this number is anticipated to remain strong.” 

To learn more and register your interest in securing a retail space, https://www.melbournemetroretail.com.au/.