Westpoint offers big incentive to draw in new businesses

Construction on the shopping centre concluded in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic began to hit Australia hard.

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Leasing inquiry dropped amidst the uncertainty, but now that COVID-19 cases are low and restrictions are easing, the owners of have an incentive to get more business into the vacant shops.

Development manager Jonathan Carlile said the owners understand that, even though things are looking up, it is still a tough time for people who are considering opening a new business.

"They've taken a decision to try to make that step for the right, properly skilled, enthusiastic and energetic entrepreneurs to set up a business by being prepared to fund the fit-out costs," he said.

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Tenants would need to repay the fit-out costs over time, but the arrangement would take the pressure off new businesses.

"It's that fit-out cost that we think is a bit of a barrier for people who would like to go into business and determine their own destiny and work for themselves," Mr Carlile said.

"The landlords are thinking 'We'll fund the fit-out', and it'll be done on a commercial basis, but with very attractive terms, and that will hopefully ease the burden and make that decision for the right people to come and do a start-up business."

There are vacancies on either side of the development's lower level, as well as spaces upstairs near the medical centre that would be best suited to allied medical uses, such as physiotherapy and dentistry.

Westpoint also hopes to attract food and hair and beauty operators.

Mr Carlile said Westpoint offers a great opportunity to businesses thanks to the existing tenants.

The expanded IGA supermarket attracts more than 6500 patrons each week, while the childcare centre has around 200 parent movements a day.

"We've got the Domino's there, which is trading really well, and of course the liquor store and the pharmacy, and the medical centre upstairs that has been there for a long time and is really well-established," Mr Carlile said.

"We've got all the right elements. We think we've probably got more than 8000 to 8500 people going through the centre every week and that's really a terrific asset for anybody looking to start up a business, because, if you've got traffic going past your door, you've got an opportunity for your business to thrive."

People interested in the offer are asked to call Mr Carlile on 0417 211 405.