'Exciting vision': Luxury developer snaps up Leo's supermarket site in Kew

A Melbourne-based prestige property developer has acquired the Leo’s supermarket in Kew, with plans to create a “design-led” mixed-use precinct on the sprawling site.

Orchard Piper successfully snapped up the Princess Street landmark, in collaboration with partner NPACT and architects Wardle, after impressing owners Le Max Group with their vibrant plans to maximise and revitalise Kew Junction.

“Le Max Group decided to sell the property to a party that has an exciting vision for the Kew precinct,” said general manager Pino Paolucci, after The Age reported on the closure of the “beloved” Leo’s supermarkets in Kew and Heidelberg earlier on Thursday.

“Leo’s Fine Food & Wine Kew will continue to trade until the end of 2026.”

A spokesperson for Orchard Piper said the collaborative team was “in the early stages of planning a thoughtful, design-led urban renewal project that better utilises the site by providing a much-needed, cohesive retail and residential offering for the area”.

Two of the project’s major players are “proud” Kew residents – Orchard Piper director Luke McKie and Wardle’s director John Wardle – who understand the community’s wants and needs, and are committed to using this insight to “meaningfully contribute”.

“We recognise that Leo’s is a much-loved local institution,” McKie said, “and as part of the acquisition, intend to incorporate a fine produce offering that delivers the same quality and variety of groceries the community has long enjoyed.”

Known for developing premium residential and mixed-use projects in Melbourne’s inner east, Orchard Piper’s recent developments include One Toorak Place and Toorak Village, The Carter Building in Melbourne, and 370 Albert St in East Melbourne.