New life for Kingston Plaza

“Old” Kingston’s revitalisation is taking another giant step forward with Australia’s biggest kitchen and laundry retailer taking a prime position on the corner of Giles and Jardine Streets.

The 1920s “Kingston Plaza” building will also become the biggest outlet for Winning Appliances in Australia and the company’s chief executive, David Woollcott, says the site is being renovated to set a new standard for the popular shopping village.

“We literally fell in love with the building. There’s a certain symmetry because it’s a similar age to the origins of our business,” Woollcott says.

“This is going to be our biggest store in Australia with the highest spec of internal fitout.”

Woollcott says Kingston was chosen because the business, while it specialises in kitchens and laundries, was not a “big box” retailer.

“We don’t sell off the floor per se; we’re much more focused on consultation with clients and their needs. Deliveries come later in the process,” he says.

The chief executive says local architects, designers and builders were collectively an important client market.

The new two level, 2500-square-metre space will include innovations like a client lounge where these professionals will be able to consult with clients in comfort as they consider the kitchen and laundry range of options – with many top-end brands not usually seen in Canberra.

Woollcott estimates the glossy new showroom could attract as many as 400 extra people to the precinct every week.

“We’re excited to be launching a new store, especially one that will hit new heights in terms of location, history and fitout.”

The showroom is expected to be open by the end of the year with a grand launch planned for around February.

The president of the Kingston-Barton Residents Group, Rebecca Scouller, says she hopes new retail ventures will attract other businesses.

“Seeing the shops start to fill up again makes it a more attractive place to visit and spend time,” she says.

“The range of shops also provides options for local residents and visitors.”

Managing director of Laing + Simmons Commercial, Alex Smith, says the focus is now back on the original Kingston Town Centre.

“It needs to revitalise itself into an offer that complements the foreshore,” he says.

“This renovation and new showroom will be a great addition to Kingston and a big step forward for the re-invention of the centre.”