Major concerns raised over future of Capalaba Central Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s south

Concerns have been raised for the future of a once thriving shopping centre which has been hit by business closures and high rent costs. WATCH THE VIDEO

Empty food court at the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

While shoppers have raised questions over the future of a shopping centre east of Brisbane due to shop closures, a recent addition and nearby major project could revive the centre.

The Capalaba Central Shopping Centre has been impacted by shop closures in recent years following the Covid pandemic and the current economic climate.

Currently, the food court only has four offerings including KFC, Sushi Chef K, Central Carvery, and Hokka Hokka, while there were several retail spaces throughout the complex covered with boarding, with signage advertising leasing opportunities.

However, a recent positive development has been the opening of the temporary new location for the Capalaba Library and Redland City Council’s Customer Service Centre in a retail space in the complex that previously contained Coles - which closed in April 2023 and was boarded up for a significant period of time.

The library has been moved to the centre due to construction commencing on the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project this year.

Empty food court at the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

According to Redland City Council, the $250m project will transform the area behind Capalaba Central Shopping Centre, with the space to include a commercial precinct, as well as a new library, customer service centre, arts centre, and community hall.

Alexandra Hill residents Terry and Debbie Collins have shopped at Capalaba Central for years and seen the centre change over the years.

“We see shops coming and going inside all the time,” Ms Collins said.

“The food court has dwindled, there used to be more shops, there are a few shut I noticed.”

Debbie and Terry Collins at the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

Mr Collins added that the food court is “nowhere near as good as it used to be”.

Alexandra Hills local Rick Yeend also conceded that the shopping centre had seen better days.

“It’s got worse, there used to be quite a lot of shops where it’s all boarded up now, there seems to be a lot of shops that have closed off and haven’t come back,” Mr Yeend said.

“The food court choices have dropped down dramatically, there’s only about half as many as what it used to be.”

However, Mr Yeend did say that the shopping centre is good for convenience sake.

“I mainly shop at the Woolworths, but it’s very easy to shop at, easy to get around and get out quickly,” he said.

Alex Hills resident Rick Yeend at Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

A long-term staff member at a store in Capalaba Central said the centre has changed significantly over the years, with customers questioning the future of the complex.

“Everyone keeps coming in and asking us if we’re closing because we’re having trouble stock wise, putting stock on shelves,” they said.

“I heard that our rent is a lot dearer than other places and I think that is why a lot of the shops have been closing down.

“It has gone down track completely.”

There are plenty of retail spaces available for lease at the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

The staff member added that the library coming into the centre has been received positively.

“It’s not been too bad actually since the library has come in, we still get the people that go to the library,” they said.

“It has picked up a little bit as well.”

A tenant at Capalaba Central has noticed several businesses come and go in the time they have been there.

“For the short time I’ve been here, a few of the businesses have changed,” they said.

“The food court has changed, but it’s not very positive.”

There are several retail spaces available for lease at the Capalaba Central Shopping Centre.

The tenant said that the cost of rent had increased in the time they have been there.

“Every year percentage wise, they increase,” they said.

“When the economy is tight, sometimes less people come in, and business is tight.”

The tenant did welcome the addition of the library to the centre.

“I think the latest positive improvement is that the council has moved the library in,” they said.

“The library area had been blocked for quite a long time, but it’s really good to see the library bring more foot traffic in.”
Capalaba Central Shopping Centre management has been contacted for comment.