Craigieburn Central shopping complex takes shape

THE public will be given the chance to tour the Craigieburn Central shopping centre construction site.

Craigieburn Central.

CRAIGIEBURN'S $330 million shopping complex is taking shape and will be open before Christmas.

Craigieburn Central will include Woolworths, Aldi and Coles supermarkets; major retailers Big W and Target; about 160 specialty stores; and a cinema.

Construction of the 50,000 sq m centre began last year.

Lend Lease retail marketing general manager Paul Pozzobon said the development had created about 4000 jobs during the construction phase, with another 5000 estimated to be created in retail.

The design will see four colour-coded precincts guide shoppers, with a focus on fashion, food, friends and entertainment.

Each of the quadrants leads to a town square, or central meeting point.

Main Street will run through the middle of Craigieburn Central with banking, medical and retail services.

Mr Pozzobon said research undertaken with residents had shown many wanted a place to meet, as well as shop.

"The local area has been waiting for a shopping centre like this for a while,'' he said.

"It's significantly bigger than anything in the immediate area.

"It's a shopping centre but it's got a lot of town centre facilities.''

Craigieburn Central is under construction.

A second meeting point called The Corner will include restaurants and cafes.

"It's certainly different to how we did things 10 years ago, we've got such a passionate community,'' Mr Pozzobon said.

"They're interested in knowing what's happening here."

Residents can have a sneak peek of the development during a tour and family day from 11am-2pm this Sunday.

Closed shoes must be worn.

Details: facebook.com/craigieburncentral