A number of retailers have opened their first stores in Queensland at the newly revamped Sunshine Plaza, which this week celebrated the completion of its $440 million redevelopment.

The centre’s redevelopment has added over 34,000sqm of additional retail space, expanding it from 73,000sqm to over 107,000sqm.

The redeveloped shopping centre has welcomed the region’s first David Jones store with over 8000sqm floor space, a 6500sqm Big W, H&M, Sephora, Lululemon, Kathmandu, JB Hi-Fi, Mecca, Seed Heritage, Sheike and approximately 60 other specialty stores.

The shopping centre’s new high ropes course, outdoor children’s play areas and Cornmeal Promenade dining options are scheduled to open by mid 2019.

Sunshine Plaza is owned jointly by the GPT Group and Australian Prime Property Fund Retail and is managed by Lendlease. GPT and Lendlease commenced with the expansion of the centre in 2016 and was initially scheduled to be completed before Christmas 2018. But, according to GPT, it has been delayed stating it has been impacted by significant wet weather during the third period.

“Locals and Queenslanders living further north will no longer need to travel to Brisbane for all their shopping and lifestyle needs — it’s all here, located in one of Australia’s most desirable tourism destinations; the Sunshine Coast,” said Gary Horwitz, Lendlease managing director.

Sunshine Coast Mayor, Councillor Mark Jamieson said the expansion of Sunshine Plaza represents a significant capital investment in the region and for the retail industry.

“The calibre of retail outlets will encourage our residents to shop within our region and spend locally,” Jamieson said.

“Our residents and visitors now have more retail options locally, as well as access to a substantial number of new employment opportunities. This is great news for our economy and great news for our community.”

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.