Fresh design for Horsham's new $12-million Target store

Target Australia construction project manager Monique Worthy said some aspects of the design had been trialled at Doncaster.

But she said Horsham was 'the first cab off the rank'.

''It's a modern way of shopping,'' she said. ''Shoppers will be drawn into the store on a podium or catwalk.

"The store will be easily accessible for shoppers, with check-outs in different areas in fitting rooms, in children's fitting rooms, at layby, in the entertainment section and at the front of the store.''

Ms Worthy visited Horsham yesterday to meet Target Country Horsham manager Tracey Focroul, Gateway Property developer Ken Foss, site managers and Horsham Rural City Council representatives.

Mr Foss said the project architect had jokingly dubbed the redevelopment, at the western entrance to Horsham, the 'Western Woolshed'.

He remained tight-lipped about other prospective tenants, but said 82 per cent of the area would be earmarked for Target, leaving 900 square metres for other tenants.

"Most of those are ones that are going to support Target, including a restaurant and a takeaway place," Mr Foss said.

"They are things that will complement Target and make the shopping experience much better."

He said Gateway Property would begin advertising for people to take on one of four new franchises in coming weeks.

On site at the redevelopment yesterday morning, council chief executive Peter Brown said council was pleased with the project's progress.

"It's moving on very well," he said.

"As I've said before, there is a lot of retail leakage from Horsham, so hopefully this will help arrest that."

Newly elected Horsham Mayor David Grimble said Horsham residents and visitors had put up with an ugly western entrance to the city for too long.

"This development will greatly enhance the central business district and create an attractive entrance to our city," he said.

"It's fantastic."