ty under a single ownership in Australia, and now home to more than 3000 residents.
Stockland’s regional manager for the Sunshine Coast, Adrian Allen, said: “The addition of the first town centre at Aura demonstrates the value of Stockland’s diversified business.
“We know the key to a thriving new community is not just a well-designed masterplan, but the early delivery of key infrastructure.”
Stockland Baringa includes a full-line IGA, 13 specialty retailers, commercial floorspace, a tavern, a proposed medical precinct, a swim school and more than 300 car spaces. It is expected to provide 90 new jobs.
Sustainability has been at the forefront of the development, with Stockland committing to a 5 Star Green Star As Built rating for the new town centre, as well as investing $640,000 in a 370KW rooftop solar project.
Kaufland expands in Victoria
Kaufland Australia has confirmed two more stores for Victoria, with a further nine to be reviewed by an advisory panel. The two new stores located at Oakleigh South and Coolaroo, take Kaufland’s approved store count in Victoria to five.
The nine proposed sites, to be reviewed by an independent panel, include both metropolitan and regional cities throughout western and eastern Victoria.
In March, the retailer confirmed its first three Victorian stores at Dandenong, Epping and Chirnside Park and last week began construction of the first two, which will act as test stores in the Australian expansion.
The German retail giant has also already commenced construction of its $255 million distribution centre in Mickleham, which will be one of the largest in Australia.
The development brings Kaufland’s planned total investment in Victoria to over half a billion dollars, with potential for up to 2400 new jobs.
Westfield NZ mall draws crowds
Westfield Newmarket has unveiled the first stage of its $790 million redevelopment with the opening of 40 stores and the launch of a membership program giving shoppers access to free parking and other benefits.
The stage one opening drew thousands of consumers, according to Scentre Group COO Greg Miles. The redevelopment began more than 18 months ago in February 2018, and will have more than 200 stores across 4.5 hectares and five levels of retail once complete.
Farmers, Kathmandu, Coco Republic, Rebel Sport, Under Armour, Chemist Warehouse, 2 Degrees, Bras N Things and EB Games are just some of the retailers involved in the stage one opening of the centre, which is on track to be complete by Christmas.
For some businesses, the opening marks their first bricks-and-mortar presence in the Auckland (Under Armour) or New Zealand markets (Coco Republic).
Other new-to-Auckland retailers are slated to open later this year, including David Jones and Lego.
