42-723: Melbourne Showgrounds is located in the inner north-western suburb of Ascot Vale , Victoria , Australia , next door to Flemington Racecourse . The largest and most flexible indoor/outdoor venue space in Melbourne the Showgrounds is the home of the annual Melbourne Royal Show , as well as major exhibitions, trade shows, and music concerts, including the Supanova Pop Culture Expo , the Caravan & Camping Touring Supershow and MotoExpo. The venue has also been
84-407: A consortium of financier Babcock and Brown, Multiplex Constructions, Multiplex Facilities Management, Spotless Services and Daryl Jackson Architects. The contract with PPP Solutions was signed on 22 June 2005, and required the consortium to design, build, finance and maintain the showground facilities for a period of 25 years. Costing $ 146 million, the government provided $ 101 million for the project,
126-476: A guarantee that the deal would go ahead. A second proposal of $ 15.25 per share in October 2006 was rejected for largely the same reasons. In November 2006, long-term senior supermarkets executive Peter Scott was dismissed for an unspecified breach of the company's code of conduct. On 23 February 2007, the company announced a downgrade of expected earnings and that it was considering ownership options, including
168-661: A not-for-profit child care centre able to accommodate up to 120 children. The heritage listed Woodfull Pavilion was also incorporated into the development, which opened in August 2009. The showgrounds have also been used to film numerous television productions including commercials. The showgrounds has its own railway station on the Flemington Racecourse line , only open for the Royal Melbourne Show and other special events. Extra trams also run to
210-509: A public company on the Australian Securities Exchange under the trading code COL, debuting at A$ 12.49. At the time of listing, the company included 806 Coles Supermarkets , 712 Coles Express outlets, 894 liquor stores including Liquorland , Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor , Coles-branded financial services and 88 Spirit Hotels, as well as joint-ownership of the flybuys loyalty program. Subsidiaries of
252-533: A recognised brand for its fuel offer. In 2002, Coles Myer sold Red Rooster to Western Australian company Australian Fast Foods . On 17 August 2005, Coles Myer announced that within 12 months, it would decide to demerge, divest or retain Myer. Thirteen expressions of interest were made for all or part of Myer. On 13 March 2006, Coles Myer announced it would sell Myer to a consortium controlled by US private equity group Newbridge Capital . The consortium also included
294-706: A redevelopment of the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds site, to be carried out as a joint venture partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria and private sector investors, with demolition commencing in June 2002, and all work to be completed by the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show . In March 2004 a list of the three short-listed consortia was announced, with the winning applicant revealed in December that year: PPP Solutions –
336-702: Is an Australian public company operating several retail chains. Its chief operations are primarily concerned with the sale of food and groceries through its flagship supermarket chain Coles Supermarkets , and the sale of liquor through its Coles Liquor outlets. Since its foundation in Collingwood , Victoria in 1914, Coles has grown to become the second-largest retailer in Australia after its principal rival, Woolworths , in terms of revenue. Formerly known as Coles Myer Ltd. from 1986 to 2006, Coles Group
378-695: Is bounded in the west by the Maribyrnong River , in the north by Maribyrnong and Ormond Roads, in the east by the Moonee Ponds Creek , and in the south by Lyons Road, Epsom Road to the railway line thence generally north-east to Moonee Ponds Creek. Ascot Vale West Post Office opened on 1 January 1888 and was renamed Ascot Vale around 1893. An Ascot Vale East office was open from 1914 until 1979. The Temperance Township Estate in Ascot Vale, bounded by Union, Maribyrnong and Epsom Roads,
420-835: Is located off Station Avenue on its east side and on The Crescent on its west side. It is on the Craigieburn railway line , part of the Melbourne suburban rail system . Trains take 10 minutes to get to the City Loop from Ascot Vale. Tram route 57 runs along Epsom Road, Union Road and Maribyrnong Road between West Maribyrnong and Flinders Street Station at Melbourne CBD, tram route 59 runs along Mount Alexander Road between Airport West and Flinders Street Station, and tram route 82 runs along Maribyrnong Road between Moonee Ponds and Footscray . ^ = territory divided with another LGA Coles Group Coles Group Limited
462-726: The Australian Securities Exchange . In August 1985, the Myer Emporium Ltd and GJ Coles & Coy Ltd merged, becoming the largest ever Australian Corporation. The official name change to "Coles Myer Limited" followed in January 1986. The U.S. Kmart Corporation continued to hold shareholding in the merged company until Kmart sold its 21.5% stake in November 1994. A new head office opened in 1987 at Hawthorn East , Melbourne . As of 2022, it remained
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#1732776431733504-734: The NYSE (de-listed 6 January 2006), the New Zealand Stock Exchange (de-listed 1989) and the London Stock Exchange . In April 2006, Coles Myer acquired Pharmacy Direct for $ 48 million, controversially using Pharmacy Direct's corporate license to skirt laws restricting ownership of pharmacies to qualified pharmacists. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia brought a case against Coles to the New South Wales Supreme Court . In September 2008,
546-469: The Court ordered Coles to sell the business, which it did in early 2009. In August 2006, Coles announced that a group of private equity companies led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) was looking to buy the company, with an initial proposal of $ 14.50 per share. The Coles board rejected the offer stating it significantly undervalued the company, and was conditional on a due diligence process, without
588-420: The Myer family, who held a 5% stake. The sale was completed for A$ 1.4 bn on 2 June 2006. Coles Myer changed its name to "Coles Group Limited" in November 2006. Coles Group Limited also changed its listed code on the Australian Securities Exchange from CML to CGJ, which references back to its first ever registered company name of G.J. Coles & Coy Proprietary Limited. The company has in the past been listed on
630-484: The Royal Agricultural Society $ 16 million, and the remaining $ 29 million will come from lease revenue and management fees. Two-thirds of the 27-hectare (67-acre) site was redeveloped as a venue for the Royal Melbourne Show, while 'non-core' land along Epsom Road and Langs Road to be given over to other uses. The works were completed as planned by the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show, and included the following new works: The following heritage buildings were also restored: Before
672-848: The US. The first store opened in the Melbourne suburb of Burwood in 1969. In 1978, Kresge (Kmart) exchanged its 51% stake in Kmart Australia for a 20% stake in G.J. Coles & Coy Coles, allowing Coles to fully acquire Kmart Australia. By the 1980s, Coles primarily operated supermarkets, whilst Myer operated the department store chains Myer and Grace Bros , as well as the Target discount variety store chain in Australia, and fast food restaurant chain Red Rooster (which it acquired in 1981). Both Coles and Myer grew throughout Australia through growth and acquisitions, and both independently listed on
714-406: The annual show; in fact, it was the main harness racecourse in metropolitan Melbourne for almost four decades until the early 1980s, when all major Victorian harness meetings were moved to Moonee Valley Racecourse . During the 1970s the first major attractions were built, such as the 1,800 feet long chairlift, with 112 chairs that covered the journey in 7 minutes. In 1977 the new Government Pavilion
756-406: The company appointed John Fletcher , formerly of Brambles , as chief executive. Fletcher engineered a brief turnaround in the company's fortunes. Fletcher abolished the shareholder discount card, on the basis that it had eroded margins while providing little benefit, and was unpopular with institutional investors. Since their introduction in the early 1990s, the card had induced a tenfold increase in
798-773: The course of the Riverside Golf Club on Newsom Street. Ascot Vale is the home of the Melbourne Aces , of the Australian Baseball League , who play home games at the Melbourne Showgrounds . The suburb is also home to the Essendon Hockey Club which was established in 2017 encompassing Essendon Hockey Club (Men), Essendon Ladies Hockey Club (Women) and Essendon Hockey Juniors. Ascot Vale railway station
840-511: The exit of Coles Group from its head office base at Tooronga. The independent expert report published in October 2007, advising shareholders preparatory to the proposed sale was critical of the culture within Coles Group. At a shareholder meeting in Melbourne on 7 November 2007, shareholders voted overwhelmingly with 99.25% approval of the sale of Coles Group to Wesfarmers. The Scheme of Arrangement between Coles Group and its shareholders
882-536: The first Megamart store, in Coorparoo , Queensland . Harris Technology, a computer hardware and software reseller started by Ron Harris in 1986, was acquired in 1999. By 2001, Coles Myer planned to expand the Megamart chain of furniture and electrical stores, but by 2005 had decided to divest the struggling chain. Six of the nine stores were sold to competitor Harvey Norman , with the remainder closed. In 2001,
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#1732776431733924-469: The first store opening in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond in June 1994. This represented a successful introduction of a " category killer " – by comparison, around the same time Coles unsuccessfully attempted to negate the arrival of Toys "R" Us with the short-lived chain World 4 Kids. In 1996, the operations of Target and Fosseys (earlier "Coles-Fossey") merged and the first Baby Target speciality store
966-533: The head office for Coles Group and associated subsidiaries. Bi-Lo was acquired by Coles Myer in 1987. It was a major supermarket chain and continued to be owned and operated by Coles Myer in parallel to Coles Supermarkets. Bi-Lo was rebranded to Coles from 2007, the last store rebranded in 2017. The office stationery chain Officeworks , based on the US chain Office Depot , was established in 1993 with
1008-403: The largest take-over bid in Australia. The sale was expected to be completed in October 2007. In August 2007, Wesfarmers foreshadowed its plans for the restructuring of Coles Group following its anticipated takeover, including investment of A$ 5 billion, establishing three separate divisions (including a combined Bunnings /Officeworks "big box" retailing division), the possible sale of Kmart, and
1050-487: The mid-1970s by the "famous five knights", brothers Sir George, Sir Arthur , Sir Edgar, Sir Kenneth and Sir Norman – known by their first initials – GJ, AW, EB, KF, NC. In 1960, the first supermarket was opened in the Melbourne suburb of Balwyn North and in 1973, a Coles store had been established in all capital cities of the country. Kmart Australia Limited was born out of a joint venture between G.J. Coles & Coy (Coles) and S.S. Kresge (later Kmart Corporation ) in
1092-428: The number of Coles Myer's shareholders, with the overwhelming majority owning only small parcels of shares. Fletcher also engineered the acquisition of the retail fuel operations of Shell Australia with the fuel outlets rebranded as Coles Express , allowing Coles Group to counter the success of Woolworths' discount petrol operation. Woolworths subsequently gained entry to part of Caltex Australia's network to provide
1134-502: The possibility of a full sale of the business or restructuring such as a demerger . On 20 March 2007, it deferred its plans to rebrand Kmart under the Coles banner and create supercentres, and subsequently paused its conversion of Bi-Lo stores to Coles Supermarkets given the lack of success of this move. On 23 March, Coles Group stated it planned to sell its businesses as either an entire package, or in three parts (Officeworks, Target and
1176-410: The previous Coles Group such as Kmart, Target and Officeworks remain as subsidiaries of Wesfarmers. In March 2019, Coles and Australian Venue Co. established a joint venture (Queensland Venue Co) where AVC would take over operations of the Coles' Spirit Hotels and receive its profits while Coles would run the group's liquor stores and receive its profits. Coles received $ 200 million from AVC as part of
1218-529: The redevelopment the main arena had a 15,000 capacity, with the new basic rectangle arena opened for the 2006 Royal Melbourne Show. Around the same time the rest of old arena was demolished. In 2008 the development of the Epsom Road site was announced, with Coles Group building a $ 40 million neighbourhood shopping centre, featuring a Coles supermarket, 1st Choice Liquor superstore, 30 retail spaces ranging in size from 50 square metres to 600 square metres, and
1260-449: The remaining businesses Kmart, Coles, Bi-Lo, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor). On 3 April, Solomon Lew , the former chairman and long-time antagonist of the current board and management team, sold his 5.8% shareholding of the company. A large portion of these shares were bought by Wesfarmers , which was believed to be part of a consortium of bidders including Macquarie Bank , PEP and Permira . The share price at which
1302-601: The selected site for TV and film production and is the current filming location for MasterChef Australia. It has previously been used for large music festivals – as of 2010, it plays host to Stereosonic until the Festivals end in 2015. It also was used on the last show on The Police 's Synchronicity Tour , their last world tour, before they re-united briefly to play three concerts for the Amnesty International A Conspiracy of Hope Tour and reuniting in
Melbourne Showgrounds - Misplaced Pages Continue
1344-560: The showground hosted two annual speedway events, the " Boxing Day Spectacular", and the "Mr Melbourne" title held in January. Winners of these events included Simon Wigg, Tommy Knudsen and Todd Wiltshire. By the early 2000s the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds had become dilapidated, especially when compared to other Australian venues such as the Sydney Showgrounds at Homebush. As a result, the State Government announced
1386-464: The showgrounds for the duration of the Royal Melbourne Show, running along route 57 . Ascot Vale Ascot Vale is an inner-city suburb in Melbourne , Victoria , Australia , 6 km (3.7 mi) north-west of Melbourne's Central Business District , located within the City of Moonee Valley local government area . Ascot Vale recorded a population of 15,197 at the 2021 census . Ascot Vale
1428-623: The studio. The 30-acre (12 ha) site at Ascot Vale was given to the National Agricultural Society of Victoria (predecessor of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria ) in 1882. The first Show held the next year and over the next few decades a number of pavilions were erected on the site. During both World War I and World War II the showgrounds were requisitioned for military purposes. The main arena played host to harness racing as well as
1470-595: The suburb is the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds , which has special events such as the annual Royal Melbourne Show . The Showgrounds are adjacent to the Flemington Racecourse which is in neighbouring Flemington . Ascot Vale has the Ascot Vale Special School, Ascot Vale Primary School, Ascot Vale West Primary School, St Mary's Catholic Primary School Ascot Vale and the arts program of Western Autistic School . Golfers play at
1512-461: The transaction took place was reportedly $ 16.47, then 2.2% above the market price. A bid for the entire company at this price would have valued Coles Group at A$ 19.7 billion, well above the two KKR proposals announced in 2006. In May 2007, Coles reported its slowest sales growth in at least seven years with continuing poor performance from Coles Supermarkets and Kmart. In July 2007, Wesfarmers announced it intended to buy Coles Group for $ 22 billion,
1554-487: Was approved by the Supreme Court of Victoria on 9 November 2007, the last day Coles Group shares traded on the Australian Securities Exchange . The Scheme was implemented on 23 November 2007, ending Coles Group as a company with its subsidiaries merged into Wesfarmers' business structure. In November 2018, Coles Group Limited was spun-off from Wesfarmers on 21 November 2018, with the company once again listed as
1596-483: Was called the "Coles Variety Store" in Smith Street in the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood . More stores opened and the chain was regarded as the leaders in providing value to Australian shoppers. The building formerly occupied by the original Coles Variety Store is now the location of a Woolworths outlet – the major competitor to Coles. Coles was run in succession by members of the Coles family from 1914 until
1638-652: Was completed, costing $ 1,800,000 and covering an area of 2,839 square metres. The iconic "Pie in the Sky" was also built the same year, and was heritage listed in 1999. As well as hosting harness racing, the 610 metres (670 yards) Melbourne Showground track was a semi regular host of speedway . During the 1980s and early 1990s the showground saw such Motorcycle speedway riders as World Champions Ivan Mauger , Hans Nielsen , Michael Lee , Shawn Moran , Simon Wigg and Tommy Knudsen , as well as Australian's Phil Crump , Rod Hunter , Mark Fiora and Todd Wiltshire . During this time
1680-673: Was established with a caveat on each title preventing the distilling, brewing, or the serving of alcoholic beverages, but hotels were soon built at the outside corners of the settlement. In the 2021 census , there were 15,197 people in Ascot Vale. 67.2% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were Vietnam 2.6%, England 2.3%, Italy 2.0%, China 1.6% and New Zealand 1.5%. 69.2% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Italian 3.1%, Vietnamese 3.1%, Greek 2.1%, Cantonese 1.9% and Arabic 1.6%. The most common responses for religion were No Religion 41.5% and Catholic 27.0%. A major landmark in
1722-456: Was opened, followed in 1998 by Target Home. In 1999, regional Fosseys stores were re-badged as Target Country, with metropolitan stores closed. Following Target's operating loss of $ 43m in 2001, the chain's format was repositioned to compete less with Kmart , Woolworths's Big W , Harris Scarfe and The Warehouse , and more with Myer, with a focus on "middle class" quality products, especially clothing and home wares. In 1998, Coles Myer opened
Melbourne Showgrounds - Misplaced Pages Continue
1764-438: Was owned by Wesfarmers from 2007 until 2018, when it was spun-off , with it once again listed as an independent public company on the Australian Securities Exchange , containing Coles Supermarkets, Coles Online , Coles Express , Coles' liquor division , Coles' financial division, and Flybuys . In 1914, the first Coles "variety store" was opened in Melbourne . Coles was founded in 1914 by George Coles when he opened what
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