Fortius Funds Management, now a part of Growthpoint Properties Australia, has opened the largest leisure venue in the Southern Hemisphere, Fortress Sydney, as part of the multi-million-dollar transformation of Central Park Mall.
Situated in one of Sydney’s most connected and vibrant precincts, Central Park Mall provides 15,085 square metres of gross lettable area. Fortress Sydney is a first-of-its-kind venue for the state spanning over 2,500 square metres, with a 1,000+ capacity and provides Sydney’s night-time economy with a significant boost. The interactive games sector is projected to be valued at $4.9 billion by 2025.
New South Wales 24-hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues welcomed the introduction of Fortress into Central Park Mall’s retail precinct. “Securing the new Fortress venue is a great achievement for Sydney and will be a major addition to our city’s night-time offerings. It’s vital that we offer a diverse range of activities to people at night and Fortress Sydney creates an exciting new place to go whilst also tapping into a huge and growing interest in eGaming.”
Fortius and SC Capital acquired Central Park Mall in 2019 with a clear strategy to capitalise on its strategic location in a trade area undergoing rapid transformation as a tech and innovation hub. Fortress projects 400,000 annual foot traffic over the next year at the flagship Sydney location.
Fortius executive director of funds, Sam Sproats said the redevelopment of the precinct and introduction of Fortress Sydney not only transforms Central Park Mall but revolutionises and revitalises Sydney’s 24-hour economy, offering a thriving day and night precinct.
“Once complete, Central Park Mall will deliver a truly unmatched lifestyle proposition for Chippendale residents, surrounding university students and the broader Sydney community, creating not just a retail precinct but a dynamic destination. Fortius has invested strategically to create a unique, yet epic, retail mix, while being complementary of surrounding offerings to deliver a reimagined urban playground.”
Fortress CEO and co-founder, Jon Satterley added, “Fortress Sydney is set to open its doors in the lively Central Park Mall, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Our Melbourne venue has been a huge hit, attracting both pop culture and games fans as well as those seeking unique and immersive experiences.
“It has truly become the Home of Games and we are confident that Fortress Sydney will continue this legacy, offering a one-of-a-kind gaming entertainment experience and helping to revitalise the Chippendale area.”
The flagship entertainment venue deal was brokered by Colliers head of retail leasing Australia, Michael Tuck, who shared his excitement for the opening of the Fortress Sydney flagship.
“The opening demonstrates the commitment and confidence of new entertainment brands and concepts in an evolving retail environment. It is the result of a substantial commitment made by both the Fortress Group and the owners, Fortius and SC Capital who transacted the lease partnership in the volatile trading environments of 2021, staying strong on the vision to deliver a world class entertainment venue in Sydney.”