ARNDALE SHOPPING CENTRE UNDERGOES HEALTHY EXPANSION

The chemist at Arndale Shopping Centre – a fixture of the mall for 40-plus years – has had a cutting-edge expansion and makeover, including a new state-of-the-art robot dispenser.

Terry White Chemmart has increased its space by 60sqm to 240sqm and renewed its lease for a further 10-year term.

The chemist upgrade is part of the consolidation and expansion of the medical hub at the Arndale Shopping Centre, which was purchased by Consolidated Properties Group and CVS Lane Capital Partners in October 2019.

Other tenants in the medical precinct to recently open or expand include Dental Lane, which has moved into 107sqm opposite Heritage Bank, and the Springwood Group Medical Practice, which has recommitted for another five years.

Terry White Chemmart Springwood co-owner Peter Samios, who runs the store with co-owners John Makras and Mark Kassos, said the new fitout was designed to create a modern pharmacy using an innovative ‘forward dispensing’ system which enabled staff to chat with customers while their script was electronically selected and prepared.

“It’s about improving the customer experience, with the pharmacist no longer sitting behind the counter but able to discuss the medications while the robot dispenses,” Mr Samios said.

Mr Samios said the new technology was one of many changes to the pharmacy, with its increased retail space enabling a larger range of vitamins and beauty products to be stocked, as well as a new professional services room, where customers can receive vaccinations and treatment in a designated, private space.  

“We’ve been in the centre for approximately 40 years, and we haven’t had a refit for years,” he said.

“The centre recently underwent a refurbishment, which gave us the confidence to revamp our space as well.

“Our aim is to stay abreast of the latest developments and innovative programs and help people remain healthier as they age.”

Terry White Chemmart and Springfield Medical Practice’s expansion comes as a host of new tenants recommit to leases at Arndale Shopping Centre.

In addition, Medina Hair is being refitted as it prepares to relocate to a store within the centre and Atora Training is currently fitting out in preparation for opening later this year.

Consolidated Properties Group Executive Director Craig O’Donnell said Arndale’s line up was the healthiest it had ever been with a record number of tenants expanding or upgrading their shops.

“Our medical services hub offers local residents first-rate services, whether that is seeing the doctor or dentist, or visiting the chemist which has some of the most modern equipment in the country,” he said.

“In the three years since we bought the centre it has gone from strength to strength and customers can expect to see more new tenant announcements in the coming months.”