Australia Fair Shopping Centre Southport: 40 years since Gold Coast complex first opened
The face of Australia Fair shopping centre is changing as the Southport complex undergoes a multimillion revamp after years of struggles as it marks an incredible milestone.
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THE face of Australia Fair shopping centre is changing as the Southport complex undergoes a multimillion dollar revamp.
The giant Australia Fair name and logo was removed from the Marine Parade facade this week while the internal fit-out continues.
It comes 40 years to the week after the first section of the retail mecca opened its doors in March, 1983.
The western section, today known as Australia Fair Metro, was approved in September 1981 and built on the former site of the South Coast Dairy Company and its famous art deco-style factory, as well as the Coastal Co-operative Trading Society.
Its developer was Witan Group, led by Pat Zarro, and partner Australia Fixed Trusts.
The complex was originally known as Scarborough Fair Shopping World.
Anchored by NSW-based supermarket chain Franklins, Scarborough Fair had 42 shops including Treasureway and a series of specialty retailers.
Commerce Minister Bill Gunn attended the opening ceremony on March 21, 1983 and praised the investment in the region.
Southport Chamber of Commerce boss Bert Pepper said he was delighted by the new centre.
“It is the first decent change we have had in our trading community for many years,” he said at the time.
Shortly after the complex’s completion, Mr Zarro announced $30m plans for a giant stage two of the centre on the eastern side of Scarborough Street.
Construction soon began after Witan Investments succeeded in the mammoth task of amalgamating 24 separate titles.
Work was completed within 18 months and the new Scarborough Fair opened, complete with major tenants Kmart and Coles New World.
Stage two had more than 112 shops. Its opening was a grand affair attended by political leaders and celebrities.
The guest of honour was soap opera actor Ian Rawlings, then best known for his starring role in Sons and Daughters.
Mr Rawlings’ appearance at the centre was just days after his wedding to model Lee Dowling at Southport Yacht Club.
Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Deputy Mayor Sir Jack Egerton jointly declared the centre open.
Sir Joh marked the occasion “in true Hollywood style” by making a handprint in a wet cement block which was to be the first of many such impressions in a planned “courtyard of fame” as was to feature “top-line international and Australian entertainers” who visited the Coast to perform.
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Originally published as Australia Fair Shopping Centre Southport: 40 years since Gold Coast complex first opened
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