Burnside Village expansion officially under way with first crane on-site

New images of the huge expansion of Burnside Village have been released. Video: See inside the new luxury retail offering.

New images of the huge expansion of Burnside Village have been released after the first crane arrived on-site to mark the official start of construction.

The images, and a newly-released video fly-through, show three levels of additional retail space, including a premium mall, new dining area, entertainment spaces and health and well-being precinct.

Owner Cohen Group is doubling the footprint of the centre to 38,850sq m, including an additional 80 stores.

There will also be more than 560 free undercover car parks and e-vehicle charging facilities.

Cohen Group chief executive Gregg Downer said the multi-million investment represented the largest private sector retail property expansion in South Australia, and reflected the family’s confidence in the state’s economy.

Artist’s impression of Burnside Village expansion. Picture: Supplied by Burnside Village

“We’re excited to be bringing a new, unrivalled customer destination shopping experience to South Australia which aims to attract visitors from across metropolitan Adelaide, interstate and overseas,” he said.

“The investment being made by the Cohen Group underscores the company’s commitment to South Australia and supporting the growth and development of the state.”

Excavators have been on-site over the past few months preparing the site for construction, after a 30-month delay to the project caused by Covid-19.

Cohen Group put its development plans on hold in April 2020 during the demolition of several buildings that previously stood near the corner of Greenhill and Portrush roads and as the impact of Covid-19 was quickly escalating.

Artist's impression of the premium mall. Picture: Supplied by Burnside Village

In April 2021 the company revived the project, after what it described as an “extraordinary” recovery in retail trade at the centre.

It went back to the drawing board to revise its initial pre-Covid designs, removing a luxury cinema from the plans and instead including space for a 24-hour “gym and lifestyle facility”.

A seven-storey office building on the corner of Greenhill and Portrush roads and a proposed medical centre were also scrapped.

Artist's impression of the Greenhill Rd entrance. Picture: Supplied by Burnside Village

Cohen Group has longer term plans for another extension south of the existing shopping centre, potentially including more specialty stores, a supermarket, fresh food precinct and 350 car parks.

Construction of the ‘Stage Six’ expansion is being undertaken by building company Hansen

Yuncken, and is expected to create more than 1625 jobs during construction and once it opens in early 2025.