Dimmeys in Richmond reopens as state-of-the-art Coles supermarket

IT’S been part of Melbourne’s landscape for more than a century, but the landmark Dimmey’s store has just been reborn.

Revelopment of the landmark Melbourne building includes a 10-storey glass tower.

RICHMOND’S landmark Dimmeys bargain store starts a new chapter today — as a state-of-the-art supermarket.

Grocery giant Coles has taken out a lease in the development which has seen a 10-storey glass tower erected at the rear of one of Melbourne’s most recognised buildings.

To be known as Coles Richmond Icon, it follows more than three years of construction.

The future of Dimmeys, which started in 1878 and was later substantially remodelled with the addition of the iconic clock tower from 1910, has been keenly followed by residents and others, eager to ensure the landmark was protected.

State General Manager Leah Weckert and Store Manager Shane Cross. Picture: Kylie Else

Developer Richmond Icon paid $16 million for the site in 2008 and after a protracted planning process, Heritage Victoria has overseen preservation of key elements of the building’s exterior.

“The new store pays homage to its heritage architecture yet it also provides a sleek and functional space for our market-style layout and modern features,” Coles Victoria general manager Leah Weckert said.

Store Manager Shane Cross in front of the iconic clock tower. Picture: Kylie Else

Staff at the Coles store at old Dimmeys on Swan Street Richmond. Picture: Kylie Else

The store, the first Coles to open this year, will employ 110 people, including 50 new jobs.

It will have the latest in supermarket know-how and some special features, such as an expanded Vietnamese and Chinese grocery aisle, pitched specifically to the Richmond demographic.

Tapping into the increasing gentrification of the suburb, once known as Struggletown, it will feature an in-house butcher, convenience meals, in-store bakery and self-service cheese and olive bar.

Dimmeys in 1952.

Store manager Shane Cross said the new store, which replaces a much smaller store further along the street, will have the latest in sustainability measures including dairy doors to keep refrigerated air in, LED lighting and store lighting sensors.

The mural that adorned a wall at the former bargain store.

A Heritage Victoria approved-contractor restored the clock tower by stripping it back to its original brickwork and waterproofing it. Coles recently abandoned a Heritage Victoria application to place Coles signs on the clock tower after objections to Heritage Victoria.

“The Dimmeys clock tower has a great history and our team’s excited to be part of it,” Mr Cross said.

The store opens from 9am.