Pacific Epping Childcare Development

Client

Pacific Group of Companies

Completed

February 2019

Location

Epping

Value

$12.5M

Architect

The Buchan Group

The Pacific Epping redevelopment in Epping, Victoria, involved a complex extension and reconfiguration of an operational shopping centre, delivering new retail tenancies, upgraded mall areas, and a purpose-built childcare facility. The project required extensive demolition of the existing carpark, precast façade structure, and multiple tenancies to facilitate the expansion, while maintaining uninterrupted public access and trading conditions throughout the centre.

The works included the construction of six new retail tenancies, reconfiguration of the main entrance mall, and significant modifications to existing anchor tenants including ALDI and The Reject Shop. A new suspended two-level structure was delivered, incorporating a Crunch Fitness gym at ground level and a Goodstart Early Learning childcare facility above. The childcare centre was designed to support full operational requirements, including offices, early learning and classroom spaces, catering facilities, and extensive outdoor play areas.

All works were delivered within a live retail environment, requiring detailed staging, coordination, and interface management with centre operations. Public access and tenant trading were maintained at all times through the implementation of temporary elevated walkways and protected access tunnels. The project also incorporated multiple staged handovers across tenancies and common areas to align with programme and operational requirements.

Construction commenced in April 2018, with key milestones achieved to support critical trading periods, including the opening of the gym, upgraded mall entry, and new carpark areas prior to the December Christmas trade. The childcare facility was successfully completed and handed over in February 2019.