Peek inside the new Melbourne Emporium before its hotly awaited opening ... - Herald Sun

The new Myer Emporium sneak peak, getting ready for the opening tomorrow. The interior of the new Uniqlo sore. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

CONSTRUCTION workers will give way to shoppers tomorrow when the Emporium finally opens its doors to the public.

Developer Grocon hands over the keys at midnight tonight to the former Myer Lonsdale Street store site, which has been transformed into a seven-level shopping mecca in the $1.2 billion redevelopment.

The Herald Sun was given a peek inside ahead of the official opening as hundreds of workers bustled about preparing the stores and public areas.

The new Melbourne Emporium. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Centre manager Stever Edgerton says it’s an adrenalin rush in the closing stages of the race to get a centre of this size open.

“It’s a traditional race to the line, but it’ll be finished,” he says.

One hundred and seventy of the centre’s 225 stores will open tomorrow in the soft launch ahead of a gala opening in August, featuring movie director Baz Luhrman as creative director.

“We’re expecting all 225 stores to be fully open and trading by August,” Edgerton says.

The centre boasts cutting-edge, user-friendly design with the largest collection of Australian designers under one roof, including sass&bide, Willow, Bianca Spender, Jack and Jac and Zimmerman.

Jade Jackson (mulitcoloured), Grace Quealy, (in purple) and Monique Hodson-Smith (in blue) at the new Melbourne Emporium. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

“It’s a simple design; warm, understated and very Melbourne,” Edgerton says.

Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo opens its first Australian store within the centre with a VIP party tonight.

More than 500 celebrities and business leaders will be entertained to the beat of Japanese drummers and a traditional barrel breaking ceremony while toasting the occasion with sake.

The new Myer Emporium sneak peak. The interior of the new Uniqlo sore. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Uniqlo PR and events manager Kate Evans says the brand’s quality, functionality and affordability will attract customers.

“It’s easy and convenient shopping, our Japanese style of customer service is unique as well,” she says.

kim.wilson@heraldsun.com.au