MARKETPLACE HOPES TO BE CLASSY OPTION
THE developer of Hope Island’s second shopping centre says it will offer residents an “up-market” shopping facility to complement the nearby Coles-anchored Hope Island Shopping Centre.
Lennon Lin, who bought the town centre site on Marina Quays Blvd from receivers for $14.3 million last year, said construction on Hope Island Marketplace is on track to finish by December.
Woolworths will have a “soft” opening on December 4 with the wider centre due to be unveiled on December 8.
Mr Lin, who started his property career in Brisbane in 2015, said he did not believe the Marketplace would hurt trade at the Hope Island Shopping Centre.
“I think our Woolies and Aldi will complement the Coles centre,” he said. “We have a different offering.”
“Parking has always been an issue at the Coles, and we have a bit more than your minimum requirement.”
The Marketplace will have close to 500 carparks, with about 240 basement carparks.
The 10,000sq m two-level centre will be the first Hope Island centre to be fully enclosed and airconditioned.
Mr Lin said emphasis had been put on the finishes and “atmosphere” of the centre.
“We have tried to get the same feel as the James St or Ferry Rd Markets. It is quite up-market. Even the commercial space lobbies you could compare to something like 50 Cavill Ave.”
The centre will be anchored by a 3997sq m Woolworths supermarket and a 1606sq m Aldi. There will also be a further 4230sq m of specialty retail and professional offices.
Other tenants will include: Helloworld; Amcal; F45 Training; BWS; Free Choice Tobacconist Stores; Crooners & Blues Barbers; Gold Coast Super Clinic Physiotherapy; Glamour Nails; Fibonacci Coffee and Medicross Medical.
Food will be an important component with Carl’s Jr., Domino’s and Sushi Hub set to join the line-up.
Mr Lin said they are also looking to sign on a licenced Italian or seafood restaurant.
Mr Lin said people will be surprised by the level of amenity at the Marketplace with the toilets, for instance, being comparable to those found in high-end hotels.
“We have put a lot of money and thought into what we are doing internally. “We know the area really well and know there is a shortage (of shopping options).
“I’m trying to offer something different. A centre where I would love to go, not just to buy groceries, but to sit down and buy coffee. People are after atmosphere now – more than a shopping centre.”
Retail expenditure for the Marketplace’s main trade area is forecast to grow 80 per cent, from $372 million to $674 million, between 2017 and 2027, while the population will hit close to 30,000 by 2026.
CBRE’s Rudi Scutti and LJ Hooker Commercial’s Ashley Moffat are handling the leasing for the shopping centre.