The Opportunity

When Woolworths identified a need for a new Direct-to-Boot (DTB) facility at St Clair Shopping Centre, the initial requirement was straightforward: create a convenient customer collection point to support the growing demand for online grocery orders.

Rather than viewing the project as a standalone operational upgrade, Rook Partners recognised an opportunity to deliver broader value by rethinking how underutilised areas of the centre could be repurposed to improve both functionality and long-term asset performance.

The Challenge

The preferred WOW location for the new DTB facility was 5 existing car bays adjoining their premises. The Rook Partners team identified the existing centre waste area as a better location for the DTB and identified a better area for the waste area to be relocated that would improve staff safety. Woolworths agreed.

The challenge was to deliver a best-in-class customer collection facility while maintaining centre operations, improving safety outcomes, and generating a sustainable long-term benefit for the asset owner and retailer.

Our Approach

Working collaboratively with Woolworths and centre management, Rook Partners developed a strategic solution that involved:

• Transforming an underutilised back-of-house area into a customer-focused Direct-to-Boot facility
• Relocating and redesigning the waste management area to improve operational efficiency
• Enhancing staff safety and reducing operational risks through improved site functionality
• Integrating the works into a contemporary leasing solution that supports Woolworths’ long-term growth at the centre

By taking a holistic approach, the project delivered significantly more value than a traditional DTB installation.

The Outcome

• Secured a new 10+ year lease commitment with Woolworths
• Delivered a purpose-built, best-in-class Direct-to-Boot facility
• Improved customer accessibility and pick-up convenience
• Activated and repurposed previously underutilised space
• Created a new secure waste management area with enhanced functionality
• Improved staff safety and reduced operational risk
• Supported future growth through a refreshed Woolworths fit-out
• Strengthened long-term asset value and centre performance

The transformation has resulted in a stronger retail offer, improved customer convenience, and a future-focused outcome for both Woolworths and the asset owner.

The Impact

This project demonstrates how proactive asset management and strategic leasing can unlock hidden value within existing shopping centres. By looking beyond the immediate requirement and identifying opportunities for improvement across the asset, Rook Partners delivered an outcome that benefits customers, retailers, centre operations, and ownership alike.

What began as a request for a Direct-to-Boot facility became an opportunity to reposition underutilised space, enhance operational efficiency and secure long-term value for the asset.