Toombul shopping centre unveils plans for new dining precinct to rival Westfield Chermside

A BRISBANE shopping centre appears set to challenge Westfield behemoth Chermside for the entertainment dollar as a major overhaul continues to gather pace since its $233 million purchase, and the biggest and most exciting plan has just been announced.

The refurbished Toombul Shopping Centre plans to continue its recent revamp with the addition of a new dining precinct.

A BRISBANE shopping centre appears set to challenge Westfield behemoth Chermside for the entertainment dollar with a new licensed dining precinct.

The Mirvac Group, which bought Toombul for about $233 million in 2016, has already started transforming the five-decade-old shopping centre into a more modern and appealing retail venue.

Undercover car parking has been installed on the first level, the fresh food court has been rejuvenated and pets can enter – through one specific door - to visit a vet in the centre.

The biggest change, though, will be the complete overhaul of the second level where the cinema is located.

The development plans, which were lodged before Christmas, show the cinema will remain but almost the entire level will be remodelled to accommodate at least 10 casual dining restaurants.

The development plans of the second level which include the existing cinema and McDonald’s. A new “open plaza” (in yellow) forms part of the revamp.

The biggest re-vamp will be the store currently occupied by fabric and craft retailer Lincraft. It will be demolished and totally re-designed to allow for dining outlets and an amusement centre.

The re-design will also include a new northside exit which will lead to an open air plaza and access to the car park.

The existing McDonald’s restaurant, with drive thru, has been retained in the plans although the Anytime Fitness centre next to the fast-food outlet has not been included in the new plans.

Not only will the centre offer a more complete entertainment experience for shoppers, it will provide a viable alternative for locals who may otherwise head to Chermside or even nearby Nundah Village to socialise.

Toombul’s centre manager Melanie Hodge said the development plans are still to be approved, but if all goes according to plan, the transformation could be complete by the middle of next year.

“We have a DA in at the moment for dining and entertainment,” and it will offer casual dining and an entertainment precinct which has become very relevant to shopping centres throughout Australia,” Ms Hodge said.

“It’s what customers are looking for.”

Since taking over Toombul, Mirvac has spent more than $10 million upgrading the centre and also attracted two major retailers, Bunnings and Pet Barn.

Extending undercover parking was seen as the first priority followed by interior upgrades, said Ms Hodge.

“We have focussed on improving our amenities …including our undercover car park on level one,” she said.

“For us it was about ensuring we are meeting the needs of our customers and one area was providing undercover car park and our next step is putting shade sails in the car park outside Coles.”