Burnside Village planning $131m expansion, in discussions with H&M and Uniqlo

BURNSIDE Village is planning a $131 million expansion and is in discussions with retailers at fashion’s forefront to bolster its reputation as a style mecca.

Burnside Village shopping centre, which is in line for a $131 million expansion. Picture: Eugene Boisvert

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BURNSIDE Village is planning a $131 million expansion and is in discussions with retailers such as H&M and Uniqlo to bolster its reputation as a fashion mecca.

The project would be the most expensive in the Glenside shopping centre’s 45-year history.

Plans are in early stages, according to Titanium Property Investment director Tim Atkins, who centre owner The Cohen Group has engaged for advice.

Retail space would increase by 35 per cent to about 31,000sq m.

Mr Atkins said discussions had taken place with “a number of interested retailers” — including fashion outlets H&M and Uniqlo — to join ZARA at the shopping centre.

“We’re talking to a lot of those (fashion retailers),” Mr Atkins said.

“Not all of them will be relevant to our customers, but because of its reputation nationally and internationally some of these retailers see Burnside Village as one of the premier shopping destinations in Adelaide.”

Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and COS had also been approached to open their first Adelaide stores at Burnside Village, Mr Atkins said.

The last redevelopment of the shopping centre cost $100 million in 2011.

It included placing a 100-year-old river red gum under a glass atrium, however, the tree died two years later.

“Our concept plan doesn’t include the alteration or removal of any significant trees,” Mr Atkins said.

Large gum trees at Burnside Village. Picture: Eugene Boisvert

The Cohen Group controls most of the shopping centre’s block, after buying the row of shops at the corner of Greenhill and Portrush roads for $3.6 million in 2016.

However, Mr Atkins said it was “unlikely” the company would expand the centre all the way to Greenhill Rd.

Burnside Mayor David Parkin and chief executive Paul Deb have met three times with The Cohen Group over the past six months to receive updates on the expansion, including how it might be co-ordinated with the council’s plans for its own civic centre.

That proposal, which would be completed over 30 years, includes moving the civic centre carpark underground to create space for a park, which would be surrounded by apartment and office buildings.

H&M opens in Townsville.

“The fact (The Cohen Group) has the confidence to come up with a $131 million plan for the site is a compliment to them, and to our council and the municipal surroundings that we provide,” Mr Parkin said.

New restaurants would also be included in the shopping centre development.

“I think they’re aware that they need to move more in that direction — to provide more restaurants and more for after 5.30pm, and I understand that is part of their plans,” Mr Parkin said.

The State Coordinator-General is guiding the project through the planning process.

Mr Atkins expected more detailed plans to be ready by April or May.

Burnside Village in 1981. Source: File

Burnside Village history

1972: Burnside Village opens on Portrush Rd.

1988: Underground carpark, Coles and atrium added.

1992: $4m extension boasting Australia’s largest pharmacy.

2001: $1.5m makeover including fountains and more outdoor dining.

2007: 300-space, multistorey carpark added.

2011: $100m upgrade including an extra 35 shops, a 100-year-old river red gum under a glass ceiling, and 500 more parking spaces.

2013: The tree dies.