With construction now underway at Austral Plaza and leasing activity nearing completion, we caught up with Daniel Song, Director – Leasing at Rook Partners, to get the latest update on this exciting new development in Sydney’s Southwest.
As one of the key leaders of the project, Daniel shared insights on leasing progress, construction milestones, and what makes Austral Plaza such a compelling retail opportunity for both national brands and independent operators.
Leasing Well Progressed
With construction underway, Austral Plaza is now 80% leased, with strong interest continuing to build across the remaining spaces. A total of 19 leases have been signed/issued, with the remaining five tenancies under active negotiation. Confirmed retailers include XS Espresso, Gong Cha, Good Feeling Thai, Dapper & Boss, Bliss Nails and a strong mix of service and food operators.
“We’re currently negotiating counteroffers on the final five shops,” Daniel explains. “There’s strong competition for these last few tenancies, which speaks to market confidence in the centre.”
Structured Leasing Strategy
Austral Plaza follows a strategic leasing blueprint shaped by the successful delivery of Leppington Village. Rook Partners launched an Expression of Interest campaign targeting anchor tenants, including pharmacies and medical centres, before shifting its focus to lease tenancies by level and zone.
“We didn’t lease everything all at once. There was a method to the mix, securing anchor services first, then moving through the precinct stage by stage,” says Daniel.
This approach ensured a curated tenancy mix aligned with both consumer needs and construction sequencing.
Coordinating the Complexity
As with any greenfield development, managing multiple stakeholders has been a core part of Daniel’s role, encompassing legal and leasing approvals, tenancy coordination, and design management.
“The biggest challenge is managing all the moving parts: getting deals approved, coordinating lawyers, then working with tenancy coordinators and designers to get the shops delivered. It’s a lot to manage, but that’s also what makes these projects exciting.”
Setting Expectations with Retailers
Selling into a site that’s still under construction can be a challenge, especially for first-time tenants unfamiliar with greenfield developments. But in the case of Austral Plaza, having a real-life reference point just down the road has made all the difference.
“People joke that I sell dreams,” Daniel laughs. “But with Austral, I could point to Leppington Village and say, ‘This is what we’ve delivered. Same team, same quality.’ That gave confidence to new tenants who had only seen renders.”
While national retailers are well-versed in new site leasing, Daniel notes that independent operators often need additional reassurance and guidance, something Rook Partners delivers through transparency and experience.
Designed for Growth
Austral Plaza shares similarities with Leppington Village but features a distinct layout suited to the surrounding catchment. Rather than an internal mall, Austral Plaza is an open-air complex spanning 7,200 sqm of GLA, featuring 319 on-grade car spaces and multiple entry points that encourage street-level access and visibility.
Anchored by Woolworths and BWS, the centre has been designed as a true convenience destination, with essential services at its core.
“Austral Plaza is more than just another shopping centre, it’s a sign of what’s coming for this entire corridor. We’ve seen the transformation begin at Leppington, and now Austral is next. It’s incredibly rewarding to help shape these places from the ground up and see the right mix of tenants come together to serve growing communities.”
Fast Facts:
- Opening: Q3 2026
- GLA: 7,200 sqm
- Leasing Status: 80% leased; 19 leases signed/issued; remaining five tenancies under negotiation
- Anchor Tenants: Woolworths, BWS
- Key Services: Medical Centre, radiologist, dentist, pharmacy, café and diverse food operators.
- Key Features: dual entry, open-air layout, 319 on-grade car spaces
For more information about leasing at Austral Plaza, contact:
Daniel Song
📞 +61 407 021 373
🌐 rookpartners.com
