Olivier Sicouri of CPRAM Investments, which is in partnership with the Alceon Group, said it would give Orange its only food court.

However it would also end the site’s historic location for department stores.

“It’s just a reflection of what we see as the best outcome for the project,” he said.

“We think it is a superior scheme, there is no food court in Orange.”

Mr Sicouri said he expected a mix of new shops to Orange and existing shops relocating into the complex would become the tenants.

Under a revised development application (DA) submitted to Orange City Council the space originally allocated for department store Harris Scarfe would now become a six-shop food court.

It would be supported by one mini-major site, 20 retail tenancies and five kiosks.

Mr Sicouri said the food court would be open during normal trading hours however a covered food shop and eating area in Post Office Lane would also be open at night.

“We think food will be beneficial, there is no one thing that is the key,” he said.

Mr Sicouri said Harris Scarfe had not pulled out of the project but would not be involved.

“It was a mutual agreement,” he said.

POLL: Have your say …

Harris Scarfe issued a short comment on Monday.

“By mutual agreement with the landlord, we are no longer part of the development,” it said.

Mr Sicouri said the shift to a food-focus was part of a worldwide trend.

“Internationally there is definitely more of an emphasis on food and beverages,” he said.

“The way people are spending their money is different to what they did five to 10 years ago. People are eating out more.

“Department stores, and to a lesser extent discount department stores, have been under pressure.”

He said he hoped that once the DA was approved by council construction could begin later this year.

Under the DA most of the building will be pulled down with the facade retained and a new structure put in place.

The construction cost has risen by $3.4 million to $15.4 million in the past year.

“That’s a reflection on the cost of the food court,” he said.

Mr Sicouri said it was more expensive to set up a food court than have one big space for a retailer.

Council has twice previously given building consent for the site and will again consider the revised plan which is on public display at the council offices until August 2.

Central Western Daily readers voted overwhelmingly (85 per cent) in favour of having another major retailer on the Myer site in a poll on Monday.

Myer closed its doors at the end of January last year.