Coles, Paisley Park ELC announced as newest entrants to northern Riverlea development

An early-learning centre provider with venues across the country will also open a new site in a suite of community services for the growing community.

One of South Australia’s fastest-growing residential developments will welcome a major supermarket to its $100m shopping plaza, as well as a new early learning centre.

On Monday, Coles and Priceline Pharmacy both announced they would be moving into the Palms Shopping Village at Riverlea, due to open in 2026.

The 10,000sqm retail space will house more than 25 stores and include 400 parking spaces, minimising the need for shopping trips to nearby suburbs.

Walker Corporation chief executive David Gallant, whose company has spearheaded development of the master planned community near Virginia, said further retailers will be announced “over the coming weeks”.

Renders of the new Palms Shopping Village at Riverlea, north of Adelaide. Picture: Walker Corporation

The shopping centre will house more than 25 stores. Picture: Walker Corporation

Additionally, building is set to begin next year on the Paisley Park Early Learning Centre, which has signed a long-term lease with the developer.

The company operates seven ELCs across the country, including one in Prospect, and its co-founder and director Peter Raue said the new site would accommodate children aged six weeks to six years old.

“Quality early learning is vital for our communities, giving parents peace of mind when they go to work that their children are being cared for by dedicated educators and developing essential skills,” Mr Raue said.

Aaron Lock with daughter Charlotte, 10, and Coles staff at the future site of Riverlea’s new supermarket. Picture: Matt Loxton

Though Riverlea has faced development roadblocks, including the discovery of Aboriginal remains, it has so far completed 600 homes from its building target of 12,000.

For Riverlea resident and air force veteran Aaron Lock, 38, it has been relieving to see development progressing.

“I think there’s been a lot of people waiting to get their first home or their forever home, or even just to get into the market,” he said.

Building works at Riverlea began in 2021 and are expected to span 25 years.