Drakes Supermarkets to open new store in Springwood Gawler housing estate development

A South Aussie supermarket chain has been revealed as the flagship store in a new $20m retail precinct coming to a $500m Gawler housing estate.

A 3D render of the Drakes supermarket at Springwood. Picture: Supplied

A South Australian supermarket chain will become the flagship store in a new $20m retail precinct to be built in the Springwood housing development.

Drakes Supermarkets has been announced as the first retailer for Springwood Place, which will form part of the $500m, 10-year housing project at Gawler East.

The supermarket, along with a liquor store, will span over 2,900sq m and 200 car parks and is expected to create 100 new jobs for the region.

Construction on Springwood Place is expected to begin in June and be completed in 2022.

$500 million Springwood housing development at Gawler East. Picture: Supplied by Arcadian Property

Alongside Drakes, Springwood Place will feature retail space for up to an additional 15 specialty offerings such as cafes, a pharmacy, medical, and other convenience-based retail.

Drakes Supermarket director John-Paul Drake said the upcoming development would be a fantastic addition to the area.

“We’re super excited to be starting our first site build since COVID, it‘s the first time we’ve been able to have our feet back on the ground,” said Mr Drake.

“The store will be a 2000 sqm supermarket which is going to be having all of the bells and whistles of our brand new stores.”

“We’re looking forward to rejuvenating the food hub concept and having an onsite deli, kitchen, coffees and popcorn and orange juice machines.”

Drakes Supermarket director John-Paul Drake. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Gawler currently has five major supermarkets, however Mr Drake said it was of no concern giventhe town’s population forecast to grow by 30,000 residents by 2036.

“It’ll be a one-stop shop,” Mr Drake said.

“Of course we know we’re a few years ahead of our time in terms of the housing developments in the area, but we’re confident with the move, it’s going to be a great site for us.”

John-Paul Drake, Roger Drake, Hamish Brown and Anthony Andolfatto at the site of the future Springwood Place, Springwood. Picture: Supplied

Springwood project director Anthony Andolfatto said the wider precinct would create 200 jobs and was a major step for the growing community.

“This is another milestone in the ongoing delivery of Springwood, following improved

connectivity from the new Gawler East Link Road, the recent opening of X Convenience, and

Where We Grow child care centre, currently under construction,” Mr Andolfatto said.

Further tenancies in Springwood Place will be advertised this month.

Springwood has so far welcomed around 350 new homes, but will eventually house 6000 residents across 2000 new homes.