Harris Farm Market opens in Albury

This unique project began in 2019 when Harris Farm Markets engaged i2C’s architectural services to deliver the new Harris Farm flagship retail store situated in Albury, on the border of NSW and Victoria.

Taking over half of a former Bunnings building, the new Harris Farm store was to be the largest and most ambitious Harris Farm project to date, converting 4650sqm of warehouse space into a vibrant retail experience and unique destination for the local community. Far more than just a grocery store, Harris Farm Albury was to offer an abundance of local produce, local retailers, in-house dining options, as well as amenities and a themed playground for the kids.

i2C worked closely with interior designers Luchetti Krelle to bring to life the overarching concept of ‘fun fair’ to the enormous space, which involved many hours of ongoing design and planning collaboration, right down to the details of finishes and construction methods. Coordination was pivotal to the success of this unique project, as i2C worked with the builder and an array of consultants to develop iconic store features such as numerous shed structures, wall mounted grain silos, giant suspended straws, moving mechanical cogs, and a 4m tall strawberry that smiles and waves at entering customers.

There was a multitude of factors that needed to be considered for each zone of the store, in particular the design and operational requirements of each of the eight tenants that traded within the Albury store. Each internal concession was its own project encompassing design and planning, construction documentation, finishes considerations, equipment, and operational requirements. Each concession had to function within its own right, but also work with the services and layout of the store as a whole. This extended aesthetically as well, balancing each tenant’s own brand and identity with the holistic feel of the Albury store itself. Attention to detail and regular coordination and communication was key in overcoming these challenges and ensuring everything came together seamlessly in the end product.

The opening of the Harris Farm Albury store was keenly anticipated and talked about by the local community. Alive with activity from the moment the doors opened, awe was visible on the faces of both children and adults alike. The uniqueness and sense of fun made the space immediately popular with customers, even being likened to a “Willy Wonka factory”. The store has become a real landmark for the area and has provided the locals with a very impressive range of product and produce. Tenants have been able to capitalise on the considered zoning and flow of the store, and it has given local producers a thriving new platform to operate from. Keeping the store concept and “feel” of the space at the forefront of decision making meant the team were able to deliver a truly unique and exciting shopping experience to the community of Albury Wodonga.

Client: Harris Farm

Builder: Fit-out by Watts Build, Cold Shell works by Premier Building & Construction

Interior Designers: Luchetti Krelle

Giant Strawberry: Found Design Made

Location: Albury, NSW