Pimpama City shopping centre hailed as a ‘big move forward’ for fast-growing Gold Coast suburb

A NEW shopping centre in a fast-growing Gold Coast suburb has been hailed as a ‘big move forward’ for the area. And its owners have commissioned some unusual artwork to celebrate

Street artist Heesco Khosnaran has created a series of murals at the new Pimpama shopping centre, showcasing the history of the suburb. Pimpama City officially opens September 21, 2018. Photo: Supplied

THE Gold Coast’s newest shopping centre is being celebrated as a vital move for Pimpama ahead of its opening next week.

Pimpama City brings 40 new outlets to its 14-hectare site and is expected to create more than 400 new jobs.

Developer Greg Rix on site at Pimpama’s newest shopping centre, which will open next week. Photo: Richard Gosling

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates said the centre was needed as the area had grown by more than 3000 people in the past few years.

“It’s going to be great for the local community to have access to the shops that are going to be available, which has never previously been the case,” she said.

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“It’s the second-fastest growing area in Australia, so it’s important that people who live there have access to the centres and recreational space they need.

“It’s a big move forward for Pimpama ... it’s a positive outcome.”

Pimpama is predicted to grow massively over the next few years. Its population is predicted to reach more than 20,000 residents this year.

Celebrated urban artist Heesco Khosnaran has created a series of murals celebrating the history of Pimpama. Photo: Supplied

Developers have commissioned urban artist Heesco Khosnaran to capture the area’s “rural history” in a series of murals around the centre.

The works pay tribute to the sugar industry and the railway station that once graced the site.

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Mr Khosnaran said he drew inspiration from historical photos of Pimpama to create the murals, which will appear on three concrete walls at the centre.

“The challenge for me has been to bring the past alive and give it some context in a modern setting,” he said.

Pimpama City will officially open next Friday, September 21.