Port Mall sale offers chance for five-storey development in Port Adelaide

THIS shopping mall in the heart of one of Adelaide’s most historic strips is for sale — with it comes 16 stores, including a supermarket, and more than 400 carparks. And local traders have a vision:

PORT Mall traders hope the centre’s sale will trigger an upgrade of the site, which could include homes in buildings up to five storeys high.

The Cohen Group has called for expressions of interest for the mall on St Vincent St.

The complex has 16 shops, including a Foodland and more than 400 car parks. The mall and surrounding area was rezoned last year for five-storey buildings, with shops and housing.

Port Mall Newsagency owner Philip Jenner was excited about the possibility of new owners creating a “bigger and better shopping centre”.

“We would hope that if it is sold the new landlords would embrace the Port community and sort of work with the community to build a bigger and better shopping centre,” Mr Jenner said.

“There are lots of vacant shops in the mall and we would like them to be able to fill them.”

Port Mall Newsagency co-owner Leoni Jenner has welcomed news of the sale. Picture: Dean Martin

The former Mitre 10 shop has been vacant since November 2014 and there are also two vacant small specialty shops.

Cafe Coco owner Barry Schrapel said he wanted more diversity in the mall.

“We need Mitre 10 to reopen or another hardware store,” he said.

“People were disappointed when that closed.

“There are three or four shops near me that are empty, too.”

Mr Schrapel — who has run Cafe Coco at the Port Mall since 2009 — was “very optimistic” for the future.

“With all the developments happening it’s going to be great for the area,” Mr Schrapel said.

The shopping mall is in the heart of historic Port Adelaide.

Jones Lang LaSalle SA managing director Jamie Guerra said the site had a lot of potential outside its retail use.

Mr Guerra said with 500 public servants moving into new government office building by 2017 at the corner of Nile and Robe streets, and the $25 million Quest apartments underway at the Port waterfront, the area was attractive for investors.

“There is good activity and engagement and people are looking at what is going on in the Port,” Mr Guerra said.

“Retail investments are well sought after and it will continue to be primarily retail based but we might see some mixed use coming through as well.”

Jonix Hair owner Emorfia Khoury said the future looked bright for the centre.

“They are fantastic landlords and they’ve been great and really kept it clean and so I think the future does look positive,” Ms Khoury said.

Foodland, the anchor tenant, has a lease until 2027.

A spokeswoman for the Cohen Group declined to comment on the sale.

Expressions of interest close on March 22.

What do you think the Port Mall needs to attract more people? Leave your comment below.