Work starts on up-market lifestyle precinct in North Lakes set to draw crowds from afar

After years of stagnation, work has finally started on a mixed-use precinct - including a new shopping and dining strip, lagoon-style pool and recreational areas - that is set to transform a southeast Queensland community.

CONSTRUCTION has started on an up-market lifestyle centre in the north of Brisbane touted to become a drawcard for the whole southeast.

Four years in the making, Laguna North Lakes has been billed as the next big thing in trendy shopping and lifestyle activities.

The 1.7ha site bordered by North Lakes and Lakefield drives and The Corso will offer a mixed-use precinct featuring a lagoon-style pool, high-street shopping and dining scene, gym and wellness spaces, TRYP hotel by Wyndham and underground car parking.

An artist’s impression of Laguna North Lakes.

The George Group – of Brisbane’s James Street precinct fame – in a joint venture with developer Pointcorp appointed McNab Construction in December last year to build the vast centre.

George Group director Patrick George said the centre’s allure was its uniqueness.

“The offering of recreational-style retail will not only appeal to the Moreton Bay region but a new audience too,” he said.

“A range of retailers, services and products that are boutique and unique, combined with an open-air experience will provide the community with a social hub which is unlike other retail destinations.”

An artist’s impression of Laguna North Lakes.

After years of standing stagnant the land was still owned by Moreton Bay Regional Council after being bought from Stockland for about $6.6 million.

“There is a development lease in place between council and the developers,” a MBRC spokesman said.

“This arrangement allows council to retain a level of control over the development outcome on the site.

“Council will transfer ownership of the land once Stage 1 of the development has been completed.

An artist’s impression of Laguna North Lakes.

“Stage 1 underpins the entire site’s development and includes the publicly available swimming pool, green space and underground carpark.”

According to council the Queensland Government Architect supported the design of the project and commended the developer’s goal to transform a strategically important site at North Lakes into a high-quality mixed-use development.

Developers said the project was due to be completed in two-and-a-half years.