Eyes on new Asian food centre at Market Square, Sunnybank

All eyes are on the huge new Market Square being built south of Brisbane with the owners of the massive redevelopment hinting at an opening date for the new Asian food centre which has 40 shops locked in already.

The front facade of Sunnybank’s Market Square is almost completed. Picture: Richard Walker

AFTER two years and a global pandemic Sunnybank’s Market Square is just months away from a potential soft opening.

The long awaited $45 million redevelopment which will be a fusion of old and new has been tipped as the much needed cash injection required to save Brisbane’s little China town south of the city.

The old and traditional will meet new when the Market Square redevelopment is complete in a matter of months. Picture: Richard Walker

The suburb was hit harder than any other by the coronavirus pandemic, suffering a mass exodus in early February before being hit by the March hospitality lockdown that turned the bustling restaurant and food hub into a ghost town.

The area has fought off its fair share of disasters like back in 2007 when a fire destroyed 10 restaurants and this month a Griffith University placed the area on red alert for severe job losses as a direct result of COVID-19.

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Speaking on behalf of the landlord Mark Banks of Trident Property Advisory said the Market Square redevelopment had also been impacted but despite this it would have a practical completion by July 2020.

“We will do a “soft” opening and may do a “big thing’ once all the tenants are ready to open and trade,” he said.

Mr Banks said 40 tenancies were already confirmed and this would include cuisines from local, interstate and international operators.

Market Square view from the completed car park. Picture: Richard Walker

Predominantly Restaurants and takeaway outlets will feature but also general retail and a wellness level with hairdresser, beautician and skin clinics.

He said fit-outs would start soon but while there had been no impact to construction because of the coronavirus pandemic it had certainly caused disruptions in other ways.

“The leasing inquiries have slowed up considerably which has been a concern,” Mr Banks said.

“But we are confident it will lift again when this is all over and people (prospective new tenants) can see the building and walk around it.”

A crane does the finishing touches to the facade of the building. Picture: Richard Walker

For the past few years leasing for the building had been through plan only.

Mr Banks said the coronavirus had impacted supplies for the project too as many came from China but this was not at a critical point.

“The area is crying out for jobs. We are very excited on what the new Market Square will bring to not only Sunnybank, but Brisbane, “ he said.

Market Square, corner of McCullough Street and Mains Road, Sunnybank. Picture: Richard Walker

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“We want Market square to be the premium Asian food centre in an area already well known with many different styles.”

“I’m confident Market Square can bounce back bigger than ever.”

“We believe Sunnybank is the new Chinatown and Market Square is the hub. Many people have told me over the years that Market Square has that real China feel about it.

“We want to combine the old and new centre on that theme (old style/modern feel).”

The view from the back of the square which shows the fusion of old and new with the carpark being completed and the traditional Market Square car part. Picture: Picture: Richard Walker

An artist impression of Market Square in Sunnybank.