1989: the year the World Wide Web was invented; Seinfeld and The Simpsons debuted on television screens around the globe; and Nintendo’s Game Boy first came on the scene. It was also a momentous year for Queensland, with the launch of one of the state’s most iconic shopping destinations, Hyperdome Shopping Centre in Logan – opening its doors on 1st August 1989.

Today, Hyperdome will celebrate its 30th anniversary as Logan’s largest shopping centre, which has enjoyed a rich history as the epicenter of the local community spanning a three decade long chapter.

The centre is in the top 40 in Australia based on size (2019 Big Guns Report). Prior to its opening, the Hyperdome site was already renowned an iconic piece of real estate in the region. It was once home to Ashton’s Animal Kingdom from 1969 – an 88-acre safari park – before transforming into the popular Wild Waters Water Park in 1982, where local families would visit as a community-gathering place to beat Queensland’s heat.

Construction began in 1988

Construction of Hyperdome began 31 years ago in 1988. At the time, Logan was Australia’s fastest growing region, which reiterated the need for a new shopping destination in this major Queensland growth corridor to accommodate for the swelling population choosing to live between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Architecturally designed to incorporate ceiling domes, large trees, cascading water features and themed retail precincts, Hyperdome was a game-changer for the state, emerging as Queensland’s first totally themed retail centre.

New features of the era

The three mall zones were connected by a central water way, and each reflected elements of ‘excitement and fantasy’ according to the architect’s brief, with sculptures, an amusement clock and children’s play park all adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the centre. Upon opening in August 1989, Hyperdome featured 144 retailers, many of which still call the Centre home today, including Sizzler, Prouds, Stefan and Coles to name only a few. Over the years, Hyperdome underwent a succession of developments and refurbishments to expand its offer in response to community needs and aspirations.

‘Excitement and fantasy’ were part of the architect’s brief

1997 saw the addition of Big W, as well as 50 specialty stores added to Hyperdome’s retail portfolio, and a two-story car park. In 2005, the Centre upgraded its cinema complex from eight to a new 12-cinema complex operated by Event Cinemas. It was at this time that Hyperdome also welcomed a bowling alley, an additional car park, and several restaurants and bars to its alfresco Piazza dining precinct. The most significant upgrade to date came in 2015, with the $17 million revamp of the southern end of the Centre and the anticipated launch of The Market Room – a vibrant and contemporary fresh food destination that includes a variety of casual eat-in dining and take-home options, as well as fresh food retailers – such as a fruit and vegetable market, and butcher.

Detailed designs were incorporated

Today’s vibrant offering

Today, Hyperdome remains the beating heart of Logan, offering an all-encompassing shopping, dining and entertainment destination under one roof. The centre features more than 220 retailers, comprising majors like Big W, Kmart, Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, plus a considered mix of specialty stores. With three dedicated food hubs, including the Piazza, The Market Room and Food Court, shoppers can enjoy an unrivalled choice of casual, grab-and-go and dine-in options.

The centre’s entertainment offer meanwhile presents as the perfect family-friendly destination to catch a movie at Event Cinemas, enjoy a round of laser tag at M9 Laser Skirmish, or challenge friends to a game of ten-pin at Zone Bowling. Goodlife Health Club is also located onsite.

Centre Manager of Hyperdome, Brian Turner, commented, “Logan as a city has experienced incredible growth over the past 30 years and we are proud to have served as a pillar of the community along the way. Since opening in 1989, we’ve welcomed countless customers through our doors – many of whom still shop with us today – and we’re grateful for the incredible support they’ve shown. We would also like to thank our retailers and employees who have called Hyperdome home over the past 30 years and helped make our centre the success it is today.We are delighted to commemorate and celebrate this significant milestone with our community.”

Hyperdome has grown in to an active community icon

Kicking off today, the centre will unveil its 30 for 30 exhibition, which will be in-centre for the month of August, centered around a community activation to thank locals for their loyalty and support over the past 30 years. Hyperdome’s 30 for 30 campaign will unearth and reward 30 deserving locals, as nominated by the community, who will each take home a $300 prize and also be featured in an in-centre exhibition for the next month, showcasing their stories and contribution to the Logan community. A people’s choice vote will then decide an overall winner, who will receive a $5,000 prize.

Today, locals will also enjoy a day of in-centre celebrations within the 30 for 30 exhibition space, including balloon twisting, cupcake giveaways and a live DJ between 10am and 1pm, and 5pm and 8pm.

The centre today