Two new shopping centre developments are set to boost the Sunshine Coast’s retail offerings for residents and provide new drawcards for visitors.
While the construction phase of Birtinya Shopping Centre is now well advanced, work began last week on the $33-million Baringa Shopping Centre, which will service Aura’s first established suburb and surrounds.
Both Stockland projects will provide retail hubs for keen shoppers, foodies and those seeking entertainment.
The Baringa Shopping Centre is expected to be completed in mid-2019 and Coast business identities Michael and Roz White will establish a full-line Supa IGA at the centre. The supermarket will feature a fresh food hall with butcher and baker, a cafe, juice bar and cheese fromagerie wall.
“We’ve seen the growth projections for Aura and we believe the time is right to establish a strong presence with a Supa IGA within the local community,” Mr White says.
“We are excited to commence construction on this new store. Over the next few months we’ll be looking to add new staff to our team. Over time we expect to employ up to 100 full- and part-time staff.”
The 2000-square metre Supa IGA will be the anchor for the centre, which will include 13 specialty retailers, around 300 car parks and commercial offices.
Stockland Group executive and CEO of commercial property Louise Mason says the developer has future plans for a medical centre, swim school and tavern. “Our vision is to create one of the best neighbourhood shopping centres in the state, offering customers a fantastic shopping experience with a go-to shopping destination tailored for their everyday convenience needs,” she says.
Meanwhile, the $87-million Birtinya Shopping Centre will grow to 20,000 square metres over two stages and will become a core component of the larger Birtinya Town Centre, which will include a service station, two drive-through tenancies, 60,000 square metres of commercial space, entertainment tenants, a hotel, apartments and town square with open green space and a walkable waterfront.
Stage one retailers will open their doors in December this year. Among them are Fresh Fruit Brothers, local butcher RA Quality Meats, Saffron India specialty grocer, Sushi Ichiban and a newsagent.
Coles and Aldi supermarkets will be the flagship stores and they will be accompanied by 40 specialty retailers, including two mini-majors, and 522 car parking spaces.
The Birtinya Town Centre development is estimated to generate more than 550 jobs during construction and more than 14,600 new full time jobs on completion.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson says the region is experiencing high levels of business confidence as a result of having a clear plan for the future of the region’s economy.
“Proceeding with developments like the Stockland shopping centres are a demonstration of confidence in the future of our region, as we grow our reputation as an idea location for innovation, investment and opportunity,” he says.
