Shopping Centre Council of Australia and Urbis partner on research to strengthen industry insights

The SCCA and Urbis have agreed to enter into a retail research partnership, focused on strengthening industry capability, advocacy, and insights.

Published: May 6, 2026

The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) and Urbis have agreed to enter into a new retail research partnership, focused on strengthening industry capability and advocacy, while enhancing the quality of research, products, and insights available to SCCA Members and the broader shopping centre and retail industry.

SCCA and Urbis share a longstanding partnership, grounded in collaboration on key industry and advocacy priorities, built on their deep understanding and engagement across the shopping centre industry.

The partnership will prioritise the development of robust, industry-wide data sets and practical research tools, to enhance the industry’s advocacy and support more informed decision-making across the sector.

By leveraging the combined expertise of the SCCA and Urbis, the collaboration will deliver timely insights on key trends, performance, and policy impacts, helping members respond to emerging challenges, identify opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient retail and shopping centre industry.

A Memorandum of Understanding will formalise the new retail research partnership.

"The SCCA is pleased to enter into a new research partnership with Urbis, a longstanding and trusted partner of the SCCA, with deep expertise and engagement across the shopping centre and broader retail industry."
— Elliott Rusanow, SCCA Chair and CEO of Scentre Group

"It will further strengthen the industry's ability to understand performance, anticipate emerging trends, and respond to key policy and economic challenges."
— Elliott Rusanow, SCCA Chair and CEO of Scentre Group

Mr Rusanow described the impact of the new partnership.

"Importantly, it will enhance the SCCA's advocacy by underpinning our engagement with governments and stakeholders with credible, industry-wide evidence."

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the capability of the industry through high-quality and trustworthy research and insights. As our sector continues to evolve, access to robust data and evidence-based analysis will be critical to supporting better decision-making for our members and stakeholders."

Marcus Conabere, Urbis Partner and Group Director, said the partnership represents a significant opportunity for the industry.

"Urbis has partnered with the SCCA and its members for many years, and has been at the forefront of leading research, insights, and advice. With the shopping centre industry constantly evolving and new opportunities arising, this new research partnership with the SCCA will strengthen the capability and data-driven insights for the industry, as they plan into the future."
— Marcus Conabere, Urbis Partner and Group Director

The partnership will also explore potential alignment with international best-practice, including benchmarking approaches used by the International Council of Shopping Centres, as well as tapping into emerging global product and performance trends.