Rasmussen: Plans for $18m Riverway Plaza upgrade submitted to council

An NQ shopping centre is set to undergo major upgrades to match population growth as part of a $18m overhaul. See what’s planned here.

The proposed site for a development application for further upgrades at Riverway Plaza. Picture: Supplied

The new section of Riverway Plaza at Rasmussen could be redeveloped in a bid to meet the needs of the Upper Ross community’s growing population, including a ‘proposed’ supermarket, and just under 600 sqm of new retail stores.

In February 2021, the Rasmussen Woolworths at Riverway Plaza reopened after a major redevelopment, part of a comprehensive plan to create a central hub for local presidents to gather, do their weekly shop or retreat from the heat.

The plans were put in place to help get ahead of projected growth in the Upper Ross with a “growing under supply of supermarket floor space” identified in development application reports.

It is predicted that the proposed upgrades will take about 18 months to complete.

Stage one of the plan is now completed. Picture: Supplied

According to plans submitted to Townsville City Council for developer Geon Property Group, it will encompass another stage of the development, which includes new buildings, carparking areas and other amenities.

It is expected the expansion would support an ongoing 87 additional full-time equivalent jobs, with a further 108 full-time equivalent jobs.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said it was exciting to see potential development on Riverway Drive in the growing Upper Ross.

“This project still requires assessment by Townsville City Council but I look forward to seeing this progress,” he said.

“Upgrades to Riverway Drive have been a catalyst for private investment in the Upper Ross and it will be good for residents to have more options in the future.”

Plans show the new building as a “proposed supermarket” and additional shops.

The new supermarket will be 3600 sqm and have an additional 599 sqm of retail speciality shops.

In addition to this, basement parking will be added to the shopping centre.

“Riverway Plaza anchors the Rasmussen District Centre and is the only shopping centre in the corridor south of the Townsville Ring Road,” the application says.

“Prior to the redevelopment an expansion, the centre comprised 3400 sqm of floorspace, including a small 2800 sqm Woolworths supermarket.”

The new Woolworths was built on a larger 3734 sqm floor plan.

Stage two of the development included demolishing an old Woolworths building and replacing it with speciality tenants, and more carparking.

The development application is yet to be approved.

Originally published as Rasmussen: Plans for $18m Riverway Plaza upgrade submitted to council