Gold Coast shopping centre’s $50m redevelopment gets green light

Work starts this week on a Gold Coast shopping centre’s $50m revamp, adding a new rooftop bar, cafe and gym plus more. SEE THE PLANS AND LIST OF NEW TENANTS

Work starts this week on a Gold Coast shopping centre’s $50m revamp after it received development approval.

Once complete, Australia Fair shopping centre’s makeover will boast a new rooftop bar, cafe, gym, retailers and Asian supermarket.

The multimillion dollar upgrade includes a 1900sq m gym, 600sq m Asian supermarket as well as architectural upgrades to the main facade and Nerang St entrance and facade.

New retailers set to open in the centre are: PappaRich, NeNe Chicken, Espresso Max, Hao Supermarket, 2 Brothers Barbers, Planet Fitness and Keep Fitness Pilates.

Other upgrades to improve customer experience include a new pedestrian entrance from Marine Parade with lift access, escalator upgrades, upgraded skylights, a new parents’ room and adult change facility.

The multi-stage redevelopment is expected to be finished by early next year.

Trading will continue as normal while the works are completed.

Centre manager Ramon Otten said the makeover would provide a boost for current retailers and improve customers’ shopping experience.

Designs for the refurbished food and beverage laneway, Broadwater Lane, at Australia Fair. Picture: supplied

He said trading had returned to pre-Covid levels and the centre had a tourist surge during the June-July school holidays.

“Trade is positive and we have recently experienced one of the best months to date with our retailers and cinema,” Mr Otten said.

“Australia Fair’s redevelopment will only build the momentum of the centre as a must-visit precinct to shop, dine and play on the Gold Coast.

“We know our centre is much loved for our extensive range of services such as the post office, justice of the peace, dentist, podiatrist and medical practitioners, and we are now going to expand our offering with more dining options, shopping and lifestyle experiences.”

News of the revamp comes after Southport residents were left disappointed about the number of vacant shopfronts inside the centre.

The Bulletin counted 15 empty spaces when it visited in February.

Responding to the complaints at the time, Mr Otten said the centre would be unveiling revamp plans within months: “We have a number of new leases we have completed.”

Australia Fair opened in Southport in 1990 and once boasted the most speciality stores out of any Gold Coast precinct.

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Originally published as Gold Coast shopping centre’s $50m redevelopment gets green light