Pacific Epping upgrade showcases international flavours and community-led design
Dec 6, 2024
A dynamic blend of culinary experiences and retail offerings defines the revitalised Hunter & Gatherer food precinct at Pacific Epping, a flagship development has been unveiled. The redevelopment showcases QIC’s continued success in celebrating the multicultural vibrancy of Melbourne’s outer suburbs through thoughtfully designed, market-style precincts.
Located in one of Victoria’s most diverse suburbs, where nearly half the population is born overseas, the redeveloped precinct now hosts 20 distinct fresh food and casual dining operators spanning national franchises, local independents and cult Melbourne brands.
"Our goal was to create a marketplace that truly reflects the cultural tapestry of the community," says QIC General Manager—Leasing, Luke Young. "Each retailer has been selected to tell a rich, authentic story about Epping’s diverse population."
The hotly anticipated redevelopment demonstrates the power of adaptive reuse, retaining the original roof structure and incorporating expansive glazing to flood the space with natural light in an evocation of Melbourne's renowned open-air markets.
"Pacific Epping has been a cornerstone of the area for nearly 30 years," Young adds. "The new Hunter & Gatherer precinct is designed to deliver an exceptional shopping experience and gathering space for a new generation of residents."
A next-generation Woolworths, featuring significantly expanded direct-to-boot facilities, anchors the precinct, complemented by an additional 300 car spaces. New click-and-collect facilities have also been installed for the Coles supermarket at the centre. Longtime QIC partner and leading Melbourne independent retailer Sacca’s Fine Foods has consolidated three storefronts to create a multifaceted experience complete with exclusive indoor-outdoor cafe concept, in-line store and seasonal trade-out area. Queensland-born specialty grocer Hanaromart has also chosen Hunter & Gatherer for its Victorian debut, bringing pan-Asian staples to Pacific Epping alongside the Epping Halal Butcher and Best Bazaar.
The precinct’s vibrant mix of retailers includes national brands like Bakers Delight, Breadtop, and Ferguson Plarre’s Bakehouse, alongside independents such as Vietnamese-inspired DC Bakery, family-run Italian takeaway Panino Mio and specialty coffee roaster AU79.
The timely unveiling of Hunter & Gatherer’s first phase just in time for the festive season cements Pacific Epping as a destination for local residents and culinary adventurers from the broader trade area.
