Baxter Village shopping centre is expected to open in early 2028, with Woolworths and BWS named as its main tenants.
Developer National Retail Group (NRG) plans to build the centre at 21 Baxter-Tooradin Road. The project also includes specialty shops, more than 200 car parking spaces and a proposed childcare centre.
A sod-turning ceremony took place on Wednesday 28 October. However, the ceremony preceded the main construction phase, which NRG said would begin in the following weeks.
The developer has not provided a specific construction start date in its announcement.
What is planned for Baxter Village shopping centre?
NRG expects the centre to include a butcher, bakery, chemist and café, as well as fashion and homewares businesses.
While the developer has named Woolworths and BWS, it has not announced operators for the other shops. It also describes the childcare centre as proposed.
Those details leave the full tenant line-up still to come. NRG said it would announce further retailers and project updates as construction progresses.
Managing director Michael Spektor said the development would bring major retailers, specialty stores and services together to meet everyday shopping needs.
Mayor outlines investment and job forecasts
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Cr Stephen Batty attended the ceremony alongside NRG representatives.
He put the development’s value at $75 million and outlined employment forecasts for both the building phase and the centre’s operation.
“It is expected to support more than 100 construction jobs during the building phase and more than 150 ongoing jobs once the centre opens,” Cr Batty said.
He said the project would also bring shopping and services closer to residents in Baxter and surrounding communities.
The project website lists early 2028 as the anticipated opening. For now, that remains a forecast, with construction and further tenant announcements still ahead.
