2016 Carnival of Flowers goal for QIC Grand Central project

IF ALL goes to plan, shoppers could be browsing through the stores in the redeveloped QIC shopping centre during the 2016 Carnival of Flowers.

Artist's impression of QIC development of Grand Central and Gardentown Shopping Centres. Photo Contributed. Picture: Contributed

IF ALL goes to plan, shoppers could be browsing through the stores in the redeveloped QIC shopping centre during the 2016 Carnival of Flowers.

That was the vision given by Grand Central manager Shaine Beveridge during an update of the project today - although he admitted the timeline was an "optimistic" one.

Mr Beveridge addressed today's Infrastructure and Energy Summit luncheon, giving a more detailed insight into what the retail makeup of the new centre could be.

The $350 million project will completely redevelop Gardentown and link it to Grand Central.

Mr Beveridge said some works had already started.

"The million dollar question is where to from here? Without sounding like it's just a walking disclaimer, the reality is this will change.

"It's optimistic at the moment that we have early works beginning right now, you've probably seen some of the works being carried out by Ergon and others, and that will continue over the coming months, until at least the end of the year.

"Hopefully, we can start later this year. That's the goal of the design team of the project."

Mr Beveridge said he wanted to see major retailers in the centre, citing Kmart, Woolworths and Big W as examples, as well as national fashion brands like Country Road and French Connection.

Originally published as 2016 Carnival of Flowers goal for QIC Grand Central project