Ongoing since 2008, the master plan created the opportunity for a number of major projects over the last decade. Today the centre incorporates new malls, refurbishment of major and specialty tenancies, the realignment of the existing malls and new car parking.
There are distinctive precincts. There is a refurbished David Jones department store, a 12,000sqm Myer department store, Australia’s largest Big W, Queensland’s first Apple store, the region’s first Borders bookstore, new fashion and specialty retailers, as well as a 900-seat food atrium.
The design approach is the result of in-depth research into world best practice in retail planning, innovation and sustainability. A grand, undulating timber and steel roof floats above the precinct, providing a visual rhythm of skylight apertures, surface and shade.
A feature of the development is a landmark lakeside dining and entertainment precinct with restaurants, cinemas, playground, a boardwalk and landscaping.
With the latest addition of The Kitchens – a new destination that combines fresh food shopping, cooking, tasting, learning and eating – the centre’s reinvention is now an even more outward-looking, open and urban town centre.
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones
