Wynnum Plaza in store for major redevelopment

Brisbane’s sleepy bayside could receive one of its biggest facelifts ever after an application for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment to a local shopping centre.

Wynnum Plaza redevelopment artist impression. Picture: Zenx Architects/PD Online

BRISBANE’S bayside could receive one of its biggest facelifts ever after an application was submitted for a major multimillion-dollar redevelopment for Wynnum Plaza.

Shayher Properties submitted the application to the Brisbane City Council on January 28 with the redevelopment of Wynnum Plaza to include cinemas, more retail space and eight apartment buildings.

The project, if approved, will be the first major works on the centre since 2006 and the biggest at the venue since it opened in November 1980.

Shayher Properties, which own the Wynnum Plaza, is a private Taiwanese group which is also responsible for the $1 billion mixed-use Brisbane Quarter development, which included the opening of the W Hotel – the first five-star to open in Brisbane’s CBD in 20 years.

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Wynnum Retail Management general manager Michael Belfield confirmed this week that an application for the redevelopment of Wynnum Plaza has been lodged.

Wynnum Retail Management general manager Michael Belfield. Picture: File

“Incorporating additional retail to compliment its existing offering and introducing new retail and development opportunities,” he said.

“Further information will be available in the second half of 2020.”

The proposal, which includes 187 units, is the latest in what has been a residential development rush on the bayside in the past three years and comes after a $37 million townhouse community project was approved for the vacant land next to Wynnum Plaza last year.

If Wynnum Plaza’s redevelopment goes ahead, the area will also have two cinemas within 10km of each other, with works set to be completed on another project from Berrima Develop Pty Ltd in November.

Wynnum Plaza redevelopment artist impression. Picture: Zenx Architects/PD Online

Councillor for Wynnum Manly (ALP) Peter Cumming said it was a compliment to how the area was regarded by the development community that a group like Shayher Properties would be prepared to invest here.

“Wynnum is looking better for all the money being invested in Wynnum Central and now it appears Wynnum Plaza could be about to take off,” he said.

Cr Cumming said he was stunned by the news cinemas would be built at the Plaza.

“After waiting for decades since the last cinema closed, two new cinemas within 12 months is an amazing situation,” he said.

“I think that having two cinemas within such close distance to each other would make the situation very competitive and hopefully keep entry prices down.

Michael Kent from Pellicano poses for a photograph at Arbor Park in Wynnum West. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

Pellicano operations manager Michael Kent, who is behind the Arbor Park townhouse project adjacent to the Wynnum Plaza, said the development would be fantastic for the community.

“The inclusion of apartments highlights the changing demographic and offers an alternative for first home buyers and downsizers wanting to have access to retail,” he said.

“Arbor Park is ideally positioned to benefit from the upgraded amenity offering boutique townhomes and we are looking forward to commencing construction this month.”

Wynnum Plaza redevelopment artist impression. Picture: Zenx Architects/PD Online

The plans have also excited current retailers at the Plaza, including Jill Zischke from Wynnum Plaza Florists who has been at the location for more than 15 years.

“I think it’s very exciting for the Plaza and positive for the area,” she said.

“I believe it will make the place a bit more of a destination for people to come here and do their shopping.

“I have been here since 2004 so I think it’s a great time for this to happen.”

Cr Cumming said he urged local residents to let him know whether they supported the idea of a bigger Wynnum Plaza and what shops and other attractions they would like to see there.

If approved, the development is reportedly expected to be finished in late 2024 or 2025.