Wyndham’s Myer store is into its final hours of trading before a lengthy shutdown, triggered by urgent repair works at the troubled Pacific Werribee shopping complex.
The store is the latest to enter a forced long-term closure after serious faults were discovered in the building, which reopened in 2017 following a massive $370 million redevelopment.
The centre’s Village Cinemas is also affected and will cease trading from Monday.
Problems with the complex first emerged in 2020, when nine tenants were advised they would have to temporarily close due to issues with the multi-level carpark.
Three years later, in early 2023, further rectification works were ordered amid fears the complex’s structural integrity was at risk.
The latest repairs have seen the closure of at least 20 stores including JB Hi-Fi, Timezone and the Werribee Tavern, with several others forced to relocate.
Centre management has been reluctant to comment on the long-running saga and has failed to respond to multiple interview requests.
However its website lists the latest tenants impacted by the crisis.
Cupcake Queens, Myer, Chirnside Cafe and Mimco are due to close at the end of trade today, while the cinemas will cease operations on Monday.
Werribee Tavern, JB Hi-Fi, T2, Melbourne Jewellers, Martini & Co, Mocha, Seed, Black Art, Swarovski, Subaru Service Centre, General Pants, Pandora, Timezone, H&M, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Sportsgirl, Dotti and the Werribee Library have already been shut down.
Pandora, Melbourne Jewelers, Seed, Mecca, Bras N Things and Peter Jackson will continue to trade after being moved to other areas of the centred.
The website says store closures will conclude in stages “in the second half of the year”, with sources telling Geelong Broadcasters they expect the works to be completed by Christmas.
