The Makris Group is a proud, family-owned and operated business with a 40-year track record of developing and managing the places that matter. From top-tier lifestyle destinations to centres at the heart of communities, we create places that bring people together. Today, Makris remains privately owned by Founder Con Makris.
THE MAKRIS GROUP STORY IS BUILT ON HARD WORK, FORESIGHT AND EXPERIENCE – SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW CHAPTER IN AUSTRALIAN PLACEMAKING.
WHAT MAKES US MAKRIS
THE MAKRIS DIFFERENCE
The Makris Group is dedicated to creating experiences with meaning. We invest with a long term outlook and are committed to working with tenants and communities to develop enriching places to work, live and exprience. For over 40 years, we have built a reputation in creating value for our partners and in our properties. We do not see tenants as people who sign leases, we see them as valuable partners in our business who we can work with and learn from. Our participation on company boards and our diverse panel of highly skilled consultants ensures that we continue to take an active role in shaping the best possible experiences.
WHAT DRIVES US
We believe in putting our tenants first, and empowering them to create meaningful experiences for the communities that they serve. Our consistent, long-term approach gives us the time and capacity to leverage independent and innovative thinking to create places that make a difference. Our sense of responsibility for our places and people guide our search for the next opportunity to make an impact.
THE MAKRIS STORY
The Makris Group story is built on hard work, foresight and experience which has set the foundation for our chapter in Australian placemaking. The Makris Group's founder, Con Makris, learned the value of hard work from the age of 12, when he got his first job. Four years later, in 1963, he followed his instincts and immigrated to Australia from Greece. It was a land of opportunity, a place where he could earn money for his family before returning home.Today, the Makris name has become an integral part of the Australian property landscape synoymous with iconic, lifestyle destinations.
MAKING THE MAKRIS NAME
Without knowing a word of English, Con took a job at a foundry, working 6:00am to 9:00pm seven days a week. His early Australian business endeavours included a supermarket, fruit and vegetable store, fish and chip and chicken shops. His eye focus on quality set him apart from his competitors which would serve him well in the years to come. The popularity of his chicken shops enabled Con to establish a chain of seven stores in country Victoria and South Australia. In the early 1980s, Con sold the business component of chicken shops and used those funds to acquire his first shopping centre – Adelaide's Newton Village in 1982.
GROWING INTO A RETAIL GIANT
Con adapted quickly to property development and management. His ability to identify properties with both passing income and development potential sowed the seeds for Newton Village’s growth. Where others saw risk, Con saw security and opportunity. At the time, retail yields were higher than yields for other forms of property. Assests underpinned by long-term lease covenants from anchor tenants such as Woolworths and Coles and strong demographic gave Con the confidence to steadily expand his portfolio over time. Con’s retail experience worked hand in hand with his eye for quality. He understood the tenant experience and used his first-hand knowledge to better manage the needs of tenants in his properties. This led to valuable, trusted partnerships – a hallmark of the Makris Group today.
BUILDING THE MAKRIS TEAM
With Con’s continued growth, he needed a capable inhouse team to help manage his significant portfolio and development demands. In the early 1990s he took the first step towards appointing a team of professional consultants to deliver a number of smaller developments. These included the expansion of Bonnyrigg Plaza in western Sydney and the construction of Northgate Village in northeast Adelaide. By early 2000s, Makris Group’s organisational structure included a CEO and a board of advisors. The Group was then able to undertake its first major redevelopment of the City Cross Shopping Centre (CX) in the Adelaide CBD, followed by the extension and redevelopment of Hallett Cove Shopping Centre, North Adelaide Village and Gilles Plaines Shopping Centre in 2015. During this development phase the Makris Group was shifting its focus to acquiring a diverse collection of lifestyle properties. This saw the establishment of the Group’s Gold Coast office in 2013, and the acquisition of premiere Queensland landmarks Marina Mirage and Oracle Boulevard.
A NEW ERA
Today, the Makris Group retains its strong presence and commitment to South Australia, Queensland and Victoria. The Group continues to reinvest in and reimagine its properties, with a vision to curate iconic lifestyle properties deeply connected to their communities and offering rich experiences for locals and visitors. The Makris Group is a proudly family-owned and operated business. Con’s son Jason and his executive team continue to drive his vision, delivering unique, vibrant destinations. They lean heavily on the Makris Group’s values of integrity, commitment and performance, which provide a strong foundation for long term success.
Timeline
1982
Newton Village Shopping Centre, SA
Con’s first shopping centre purchase and the start of The Makris Group
1986
Northgate Village Grenfell Site
1990
Hallett Cove Shopping Centre, SA
1988
Avenues Shopping Centre, SA
1990
Gilles Plains Shopping Centre, SA
1995
Bonnyrigg Plaza, NSW
1998
North Adelaide Village Shopping Centre, SA
1999
88 O‘Connell Street and 101 O’Connell Street, SA
1999
431 King William Street, SA
2000
Oxford Hotel, SA
2001
City Cross Shopping Centre, SA
2001
32 Grenfell Street, Adelaide CBD (Commercial), SA
2004
Marina Pier and
Lights Landing, SA
2005
Gilles Plains Shopping Centre,
SA
2009
Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre, VIC
2013
Marina Mirage & Marina Mirage Marina, QLD
2014
Oracle Boulevard, QLD
2015
Gilles Plains Shopping Centre,
Redevelopment,
SA
2019
Marina Mirage Marina,
Redevelopment,
QLD
MAKRIS