Property firm Stockland has received state and local planning approvals for its proposed $830 million Birtinya Town Centre masterplan development on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Across an area of 18 hectares, Stockland plans to develop a subregional retail town centre, a new civic plaza, walkable waterfront along Lake Kawana and open green space – integrated with commercial, health related research facilities and high density residential.
The first stage will commence before Christmas with works to commence on the $87 million Birtinya Shopping Centre.
“This new subregional retail town centre will be consciously different, designed to embrace its coastal location with architectural finishes, extensive landscaping and natural ventilation, offering a relaxed atmosphere and representing the culture of the Sunshine Coast,” said John Schroder, Stockland group executive and CEO of commercial property.
“Stockland Birtinya will be the heart of this vibrant and thriving future town centre featuring a flagship Coles and Aldi supermarket, two mini-majors, an open-air, late night dining precinct, some 30 specialty retailers and 522 car parking spaces.”
“Upon completion of the first stage next year, this new centre will service a primary trade area of 15,000 people, offering a diverse dining, entertainment and retail offering. It will be a great place for convenience shopping, having a coffee along the waterfront or meeting friends for dinner and drinks.”
Stockland will also develop a service station and two drive-through tenancies adjacent to the shopping centre in the first stage of development.
A second stage of the shopping centre will be developed in future stages taking the total retail to 20,000 square metres.
Stockland has committed to a 5 Star Green Star As Built rating for the new shopping centre, featuring solar panels and end of trip facilities among other sustainability measures.
“With the regions’ above average population growth, 130,000 residents are forecast to live within the main trade area by 2031,” said Mark Steinert, Stockland managing director and CEO.
“Our vision for the Birtinya Town Centre is to deliver a true people’s place, with lifestyle amenity for the community now and into the future.”
The town centre will be centrally located on Kawana Way adjoining the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, which incorporates the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, collectively making up Australia’s single largest investment in health infrastructure.
Developed cycle ways, walkways, boardwalks and bridges will link the town centre to Birtinya Island, Bokarina Beach and the Business Village.
“The Birtinya Town Centre masterplan is the next big catalytic project for Oceanside bringing together commercial, apartments and mixed use development with open green space to create jobs and drive future investment across the Sunshine Coast region,” said Kingsley Andrew, general manager for Stockland Queensland.
“This will be Oceanside’s dynamic urban heart, a place that is centralised and accessible – a place that connects people for business and fun, and, importantly, creates a regional destination for the Sunshine Coast.”
The Birtinya Town Centre development is estimated to generate significant local employment for the region with more than 550 jobs during construction and more than 14,600 new full time jobs on completion.
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