Willows Shoppingtown
Encyclopedia
Willows Shopping Centre is a sub-regional shopping centre
, located in Kirwan
, a suburb of Townsville, Queensland
. Once stage one of the centre opens, It will be one of Townsville's largest shopping centers with a total of 130 retail stores. The centre will boast Townsville's biggest foodcourt and will have northern Australia's only Oporto fast food outlet. An Australian Breastfeeding Association five-star-rated parents' room will be provided, complete with children's play area, as well as a state of the art new male, female and disabled room facilities. Willows Shopping Centre will also host Northern Australia's largest Big W
Department Store at 8500sqm as well a revamped Target
Department Store with new feature facades and ceramic and wooden floor tiles inside the store.
The centre was purchased by RREEF (which has since rebranded to DEXUS Property Group) in 2006 for approximately 100 million (2006).
opening access to the east and west and 69 per cent of the region's population growth predicted to occur within its main trade area to the west and north.
Stage one on construction of the expansion has commenced in August 2008, with works expected to take 18 months to complete. The expansion includes an 8500 square metre Big W store, two mini majors, about 60 new specialty stores, 600 additional car spaces and upgrades to amenities including new outdoor areas. The 20-year masterplan calls for floorspace of 82,500 square metres the centre now is 38,000 square metres. An extra 50,000 square metres of retail space is being sought in three stages. The expansion is to be accommodated within the Willows' existing 15ha site.
Myer are working through the business case on both of these proposals to determine which is the best fit for the Myer brand. The proposed store would be 12,000sq m over two floors and stock all categories from fashion for men, women and kids, to homewares, electrical and general merchandise. There have been ongoing delays due the global economic downturn with the viability of Stockland's expansion to include Myer as securing capital and funds for major projects hit many hurdles when the economy was going backwards.
A decision between Stockland and Willows would be made in the 'not too distant
Myer has decided to open a new store at Stockland Townsville. Although Myer has stated that they will open a 2nd store in Townsville after the 2012 opening at Stockland Townsville.
Willows Shopping Centre's owners Dexus have submitted a D.A for a $65 million dollar expansion which will see the relocation of Woolworths (next to Big W) and 40 new stores and three mini majors.
Updated DA to council 26/10/2011:-
WILLOWS Shopping Centre will be transformed into the largest shopping complex in North Queensland after a $130 million expansion.
Kmart is the first major retailer secured for the centre, which will also include at least six new "mini-majors", 75 speciality stores, a relocated supermarket - believed to be Woolworths - and 365 new shaded car parking spaces.
A fresh food market place with greengrocers, fishmonger and deli, and a community hub including a community centre and art space and enclosed 300sq m children's play area adjoining an expanded food court with new cafes are other major features.
Pending council approval, the project is expected to start in 2013, with the grand re-opening scheduled for late-2015. The expansion is expected to generate 1110 jobs during and after construction.
These include about 500 construction jobs and 600 retail positions.
It will make Willows the largest shopping centre in North Queensland, with more than 56,000sq m of floor space, boasting 200 speciality stores, two supermarkets, eight to 10 mini-majors and more than 2600 car parks.
Its size surpasses nearest rival Cairns Central, which has 53,000sq m of floor space and 180 stores, and will be larger than Stockland Townsville which, once the $180 million expansion and Myer construction is complete, will have about 46,000sq m net lettable area.
It comes just two years after the $82 million first stage redevelopment of the Willows which included a new Big W store and is part of the 20 year master plan for the complex.
The bulk of the expansion will be centred around the current Woolworths entrance, bordering Kern Brothers Drv and Carthew St, creating greater connectivity between Cannon Park and Sunland Plaza. The bus stop and taxi rank would be moved to the southwest corner near the new Kmart.
The blueprint is the result of 12 months' community consultation, in which residents expressed a desire for larger speciality stores, more health service providers such as Medicare and additional youth fashion.
Owners Dexus Property Group yesterday lodged a development application for the proposed expansion with Townsville City Council. The next stage is to begin negotiations with other major retailers interested in space.
Dexus asset and development manager Tyrone Dodds said the expansion was an expression of the company's confidence in the city, the state's fastest growing regional hub.
"Population is forecast to grow by some 40,000 people over the next 10 years, and 75 per cent of those will be to the west and south in Willows' main trade area," Mr Dodds said.
Dexus head of retail asset and development management Nick Read said the Willows expansion was a most significant investment in the company's retail arm in Australia and the US.
"Following the outstanding success of the $82 million first stage of redevelopment in late-2009, we are now responding to community feedback for a second Kmart store in Townsville along with other improvements," he said.
Plans can be viewed at the Willows from today.
Major food retailers within the centre include:
Shopping mall
A shopping mall, shopping centre, shopping arcade, shopping precinct or simply mall is one or more buildings forming a complex of shops representing merchandisers, with interconnecting walkways enabling visitors to easily walk from unit to unit, along with a parking area — a modern, indoor version...
, located in Kirwan
Kirwan, Queensland
Kirwan is a suburb of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Kirwan includes parks, shopping, Kirwan State High School and private schools as well as the Riverway complex which has a great deal of entertainment from swimming, BBQ's and family outings to cultural events including an art gallery and...
, a suburb of Townsville, Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. Once stage one of the centre opens, It will be one of Townsville's largest shopping centers with a total of 130 retail stores. The centre will boast Townsville's biggest foodcourt and will have northern Australia's only Oporto fast food outlet. An Australian Breastfeeding Association five-star-rated parents' room will be provided, complete with children's play area, as well as a state of the art new male, female and disabled room facilities. Willows Shopping Centre will also host Northern Australia's largest Big W
Big W
Big W is one of the largest chain of discount department stores in Australia, with over 150 stores. It is a division of Woolworths Limited, the second largest retailer in Australia. Its main competitors are Kmart and Target, both owned by Wesfarmers....
Department Store at 8500sqm as well a revamped Target
Target (Australia)
Target Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian department store chain owned by Wesfarmers . It operates 172 Target stores and 119 Target Country stores making 291 combined stores with its head office located in North Geelong, Victoria. It sells clothing, cosmetics, toys, homewares, electrical and...
Department Store with new feature facades and ceramic and wooden floor tiles inside the store.
History and development
The centre was originally opened in 1985 and contained Woolworths, Franklins and approximately 70 shops. In 1994 Coles and Target opened at the present sites. Soon after, Franklins closed and moved across the road and the space was converted to Crazy Clarks. In the latest expansion (2009) this space was used to create space for the mall heading towards Big W and Best & Less.The centre was purchased by RREEF (which has since rebranded to DEXUS Property Group) in 2006 for approximately 100 million (2006).
Expansion(s)
Willows Shopping Centre will become four times bigger. Dexus has gained approval to expand the retail floorpsace up to four times which includes a cinema and commercial space as part of a 20-year masterplan. The shopping centre is well placed to service much of the region's growth with the new Townsville Ring RoadTownsville Ring Road
The Townsville Ring Road, is the future A1/M1 Route that will eventually bypass the inner metro area of Townsville, Australia. The road will be built in 4 stages with the first three stages built as a two-laned main road...
opening access to the east and west and 69 per cent of the region's population growth predicted to occur within its main trade area to the west and north.
Stage one on construction of the expansion has commenced in August 2008, with works expected to take 18 months to complete. The expansion includes an 8500 square metre Big W store, two mini majors, about 60 new specialty stores, 600 additional car spaces and upgrades to amenities including new outdoor areas. The 20-year masterplan calls for floorspace of 82,500 square metres the centre now is 38,000 square metres. An extra 50,000 square metres of retail space is being sought in three stages. The expansion is to be accommodated within the Willows' existing 15ha site.
Myer
Willows Shopping Centre has been named as a competitor to the Stockland complex as a site for a Myer store in Townsville. The department store giant is committed to Townsville and is hopeful to be trading in late 2011. The original deal Myer had for Townsville was with Stockland and representatives are still working with Stockland closely on potentially agreeing to a final plan for that site, However Myer is conducting discussions with the Dexus group for Willows, but at this stage Myer has no plans to enter into discussions outside of Stockland and Willows.Myer are working through the business case on both of these proposals to determine which is the best fit for the Myer brand. The proposed store would be 12,000sq m over two floors and stock all categories from fashion for men, women and kids, to homewares, electrical and general merchandise. There have been ongoing delays due the global economic downturn with the viability of Stockland's expansion to include Myer as securing capital and funds for major projects hit many hurdles when the economy was going backwards.
A decision between Stockland and Willows would be made in the 'not too distant
Myer has decided to open a new store at Stockland Townsville. Although Myer has stated that they will open a 2nd store in Townsville after the 2012 opening at Stockland Townsville.
Stage 2
Willows has started consulting council and nearby residences about stage 2. Work could start in 2013/2014 depending on approvals. Willows stated that there will be an option for a relocated supermarket and more specialty shops.Willows Shopping Centre's owners Dexus have submitted a D.A for a $65 million dollar expansion which will see the relocation of Woolworths (next to Big W) and 40 new stores and three mini majors.
Updated DA to council 26/10/2011:-
WILLOWS Shopping Centre will be transformed into the largest shopping complex in North Queensland after a $130 million expansion.
Kmart is the first major retailer secured for the centre, which will also include at least six new "mini-majors", 75 speciality stores, a relocated supermarket - believed to be Woolworths - and 365 new shaded car parking spaces.
A fresh food market place with greengrocers, fishmonger and deli, and a community hub including a community centre and art space and enclosed 300sq m children's play area adjoining an expanded food court with new cafes are other major features.
Pending council approval, the project is expected to start in 2013, with the grand re-opening scheduled for late-2015. The expansion is expected to generate 1110 jobs during and after construction.
These include about 500 construction jobs and 600 retail positions.
It will make Willows the largest shopping centre in North Queensland, with more than 56,000sq m of floor space, boasting 200 speciality stores, two supermarkets, eight to 10 mini-majors and more than 2600 car parks.
Its size surpasses nearest rival Cairns Central, which has 53,000sq m of floor space and 180 stores, and will be larger than Stockland Townsville which, once the $180 million expansion and Myer construction is complete, will have about 46,000sq m net lettable area.
It comes just two years after the $82 million first stage redevelopment of the Willows which included a new Big W store and is part of the 20 year master plan for the complex.
The bulk of the expansion will be centred around the current Woolworths entrance, bordering Kern Brothers Drv and Carthew St, creating greater connectivity between Cannon Park and Sunland Plaza. The bus stop and taxi rank would be moved to the southwest corner near the new Kmart.
The blueprint is the result of 12 months' community consultation, in which residents expressed a desire for larger speciality stores, more health service providers such as Medicare and additional youth fashion.
Owners Dexus Property Group yesterday lodged a development application for the proposed expansion with Townsville City Council. The next stage is to begin negotiations with other major retailers interested in space.
Dexus asset and development manager Tyrone Dodds said the expansion was an expression of the company's confidence in the city, the state's fastest growing regional hub.
"Population is forecast to grow by some 40,000 people over the next 10 years, and 75 per cent of those will be to the west and south in Willows' main trade area," Mr Dodds said.
Dexus head of retail asset and development management Nick Read said the Willows expansion was a most significant investment in the company's retail arm in Australia and the US.
"Following the outstanding success of the $82 million first stage of redevelopment in late-2009, we are now responding to community feedback for a second Kmart store in Townsville along with other improvements," he said.
Plans can be viewed at the Willows from today.
Facilities
Major retailers within the centre include (Post Expansion):- KmartKmartKmart, sometimes styled as "K-Mart," is a chain of discount department stores. The chain acquired Sears in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. The company was founded in 1962 and is the third largest discount store chain in the world, behind Wal-Mart and...
Stage 2 - TargetTarget (Australia)Target Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian department store chain owned by Wesfarmers . It operates 172 Target stores and 119 Target Country stores making 291 combined stores with its head office located in North Geelong, Victoria. It sells clothing, cosmetics, toys, homewares, electrical and...
- Big WBig WBig W is one of the largest chain of discount department stores in Australia, with over 150 stores. It is a division of Woolworths Limited, the second largest retailer in Australia. Its main competitors are Kmart and Target, both owned by Wesfarmers....
- Woolworths Stage 2 relocation & expansion
- ColesColesColes may refer to:Businesses:*Coles Supermarkets, a supermarket chain in Australia*Coles Group, former owner of Coles, Target, Kmart, Harris Technology, Officeworks and many other large chains in Australia....
- JB HiFi
- Best and LessBest and LessBest & Less Pty Ltd is an Australian retailer of clothing and household linens.-History:Best & Less was founded by Berel Ginges, and opened its first store in Mascot, New South Wales on 27 May 1965.In April 1998, Best & Less was acquired by Pepkor...
- Six additional mini majors Stage 2
- Expanded Food Court + 300sqm enclosed childrens play area Stage 2
- 75 additional specialties Stage 2 = 200 stores
- Community hall & exhibition/art space
- Ripcurl
- PricelinePriceline (Australia)Priceline is a health and beauty retailer with stores in every state and territory in Australia. The Priceline brand has two store types; a traditional Priceline and Priceline Pharmacy. As of March 2010 there were over 330 Priceline branded stores throughout Australia...
- Lowes MenswearLowes MenswearLowes Menswear is an Australian menswear chain established in 1898. They primarily sell workwear, suits, clothes for larger men, and schoolwear. Lowes has recently added ladieswear, surfwear, and boyswear....
- EB Games
- GameGAME (retailer)The Game Group plc is a British video games retail company. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE SmallCap Index....
Major food retailers within the centre include:
- Hungry Jacks x2 (1 located in Foodcourt, 1 Outside)
- OportoOporto (restaurant)Oporto is an Australian-based fast-food franchise with a Portuguese-theme.Oporto specialises in Portuguese style chicken , burgers, chips and spicy chilli sauce...
- Gloria Jean's Coffees
- SubwaySubway (restaurant)Subway is an American restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches and salads. It is owned and operated by Doctor's Associates, Inc. . Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises in the world with 35,519 restaurants in 98 countries and territories as of October 25th, 2011...
- McDonalds
- Coffee ClubCoffee ClubUniting for Consensus is a movement, nicknamed the Coffee Club, that developed in the 1990s in opposition to the possible expansion of the United Nations Security Council...
- Sumo Salad
- Muffin Break
- Jean Pierre