Forest Glen Village Centre construction starts with Tomkins Commercial confirmed as builder

A Queensland construction company has started work to create a multimillion dollar shopping precinct expected to bring a new era of retail offerings to Forest Glen.

A multimillion dollar retail space at a growing Sunshine Coast suburb is another step closer to being realised after the builder was confirmed this month.

Queensland construction company Tomkins Commercial has started construction at stage one of the Forest Glen Village Centre.

The centre, a stone‘s throw away from Sunshine Coast Grammar School, is expected to include a White’s IGA, craft brewery, day spa, florist, newsagent, post office and more.

The retail space has gained support from the community including other business owners in the area who hope it will attract more visitors.

The first stage includes three buildings that will take up 4500 sqm of the 16,000 sqm site.

Forest Glen Centre Village board chair Tony Riddle board member and Whites IGA owner Michael White and Tomkins project manager Barry Lehmann meet on-site at the new shopping centre.

The buildings will include the centre’s anchor tenant, a 1500 sqm White’s IGA, as well as a medical centre, and spaces for cafes and specialty stores.

The development will also feature a 240-space carpark.

Forest Glen Village Centre Board chair Tony Riddle, of Sancus Property, said the development had reached an exciting stage.

“With the refurbishment of the existing structures and significant early works recently completed, we can now turn our attention to the development of these three new buildings which will create a mixed retail, health and commercial space for the local community,” Mr Riddle said.

“We’re proud to be creating a precinct that will be a destination for families and businesses alike given the range of services it will offer.”

Tomkins general manager Julian French said the business was pleased to work on the project.

“This is an exciting project for Tomkins and we’re looking forward to working with Forest Glen Village Centre as they realise their vision for this important multi-use precinct,” Mr French said.

Sancus Property principal Tony Riddle and Whites IGA owners Ros and Michael White celebrate the approval of the Forest Glen Village Centre development in November 2020.

“As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, developments such as this ensure communities have local access to retail and health services.

“This will be our seventh project in the region so we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver projects that bring benefits for our clients and the local community.”

The project was expected to create up to 200 direct jobs, as well as opportunities for contractors and trades.

The IGA was expected to employ about 80 people.

The development will integrate the Forest Glen shopping strip with the masterplanned retail and shopping development.

It was described as “a new era” for relaxed and sophisticated family-friendly retail for the Sunshine Coast.

The development will be completed over three stages.

A Jetts gym, accounting and business advisory firms, Aboriginal artisan market, takeaway shop and hairdressers have already opened as part of the village expansion.

Construction of the first stage was due to be completed in August 2022 with the buildings to be named after endemic trees in the area: Kurrajong, Bunya, Acacia and Tallow.

Originally published as Forest Glen Village Centre construction starts with Tomkins Commercial confirmed as builder