In one of the most highly anticipated shopping centre openings of 2021, JMK Retail (the centre management arm of Kelly Consolidated Pty Ltd, and the developers and owners of the hyper-convenient subregional development) is offering a limited number of sites for lease as the centre nears completion in readiness for opening in Autumn this year.  As one of Australia’s most compelling new subregional retail centres in one of its fastest growing areas – Yamanto – the centre is expected to exceed community expectations.

 As a firm that has a reputation for being friendly, accommodating and service oriented while staying abreast of the latest trends, JMK Retail’s new offering follows after its retail development activities in the southern Ipswich area dating back to the eighties – during which time the firm has witnessed Yamanto and its surrounding areas emerge to count among the fastest growing corridors in Queensland.

 “It’s simply the right time for Yamanto Central,” says JMK Retail GM Vicki Leavy.

“We have had the privilege to watch and wait for the catchment to mature. Our research has shown there’s a buzz that Yamanto is finally going to boast a subregional shopping centre, eliminating the need to venture out of the area for all services, adequately catering to the communities in and around Ipswich that desperately need this convenience.”

 Yamanto is a burgeoning community, the meeting point of all major roads in the area and the gateway to southern Ipswich. The entire area is set to become a popular retail destination for the region – and the shopping centre’s carefully considered design directs customer footfall to optimise retailer exposure whilst providing a hyper-convenient shopping experience focused on grocery and convenience offerings, fashion, home and lifestyle, health and wellness and dining and food.

 Yamanto Central will offer a blend of mixed retail, specialty shops and essential services. Construction on the project has progressed at rapid pace, with major retailers Coles and Kmart ready to open ahead of schedule this autumn together with a number of specialty stores.  Further stores and outlets will open over the following weeks.

 One of the key features of the project is a covered outdoor dining precinct with seating for up to 300 and a lawn feature for picnics and kids’ play. With significant areas of free parking within the development supporting high traffic volumes at the centre, the precinct is tipped to become a key dining hub in the region.

 “Yamanto Central is one of the region’s first shopping centres to offer both on-grade and basement car parking; climate-controlled malls; strategically placed vertical transport and an external casual dining precinct with playscape,” says Leavy. “It’s the combination of all these individual components that make it a seamless, pleasurable experience in which to conduct your business and to shop. We’re offering a centre that not only meets day-to-day lifestyle needs but also provides the central shopping destination of the catchment with a place to meet, connect and engage.”

 Having constructed its first centre in 1956, Yamanto Central is JMK Retail’s sixth such project. It holds a reputation as a team that genuinely values its traders – whether they be national retailers or mum-and-dad store owners – while priding itself in taking the time to understand the nuances of individual businesses. Its centres have outperformed others during the pandemic, continuing to achieve strong growth via a clear regard for the health and wellbeing of traders and customers alike, with features such as low-touch-point bathroom facilities. The centres have offered a sense of safety, security, community, companionship and familiarity while continuing to provide important essential services and offerings throughout the pandemic.

 “Covid has changed the way people live, connect, shop and work,” says Leavy. “Many of these changes will become our new normal moving forward. One of the key changes is the way we shop – people feel safer and more comfortable shopping locally, where they know the people, are familiar with the businesses, understand the layout and are able to park for free – all without having to travel too far from home.

 “Our ability to connect with and support local communities is what sets us apart,” she adds. “We engage with our communities. We also like to have an open-door approach with our traders, enabling us to assist business owners with bespoke support and dedicated solutions to help them deal with any challenges we may be facing together.”

 Key to JMK Retail’s approach is seeking to understand the offerings and needs of its retailers rather than merely quote square-metre rates, collaboratively developing leasing and design packages that best meet the needs of businesses as well as the shoppers who frequent the centres.                                

Opportunities for space in this breakthrough project are now available to national retail brands, independent operators and business owners. Businesses, brand representatives and leasing agents are invited to visit www.yamantocentral.com.au to take advantage of the range of opportunities on offer.