Mixed-use precincts are the future for retail sector
Wealth of experience to drive change and support as part of Retail Property Australia's way forward
KEEPING costs and regulation focused on outcomes will be a key driver of the new leadership team at Retail Property Australia.
Incoming RPA president Kylie O’Connor said the inaugural leadership group would “need planning and policy settings that support investment and renewal and enable mixed-use precincts”.
“That’s how we keep centres performing and communities thriving,” O’Connor said.
She was named RPA’s president this week.
O’Connor is CEO Investment Management at Stockland and will have two vice-presidents working with her: Ben Ellis, Retail CEO at Charter Hall Group, and Chris Forbes, Director of Real Estate Asset Management at QIC Real Estate.
The appointments were confirmed at the first meeting of the Retail Property Australia Division Council, held in Sydney this week.
Retail Property Australia Executive Director William Power said the leadership team comes at a critical moment for the sector.
“Retail property is one of NSW’s most important economic and social assets. The retail property market is strong with buoyant spending and retail the most traded asset class for the third-year running,” Power said.
“Consumer expectations, tenant preferences and market dynamics mean retail precincts, centres and high streets need to keep evolving – in terms of performance, convenience and experience.”
O’Connor added the new Division will focus on practical, commercially grounded advocacy to support investment and stronger centres across Australia.
“Retail property is complex, highly operational and deeply connected to the communities it serves,” she said.
“Our job is to be a strong, practical voice for the sector, based on what’s happening on the ground.”
Power said the Council would strengthen the sector’s voice on the practical reforms needed to support investment and renewal.
“Retail property is evolving fast. If we want stronger centres, better precincts and ongoing investment, the policy and regulatory settings must keep pace,” he said.
“Kylie, Ben, Chris, and our Division Council, bring deep experience across investment, development and operations.
“They’ll lead a focused agenda on the reforms that matter to our members, from planning and mixed-use delivery to productivity, fairer taxes and levies and better outcomes for customers and communities.”
