Hundreds of local residents joined Jarrod Bleijie MP State Member for Kawana, Cr Peter Cox Sunshine Coast Council and the Stockland team last Friday 7 December to celebrate the official opening of stage one of Stockland Birtinya shopping centre – an all new retail destination on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast retail landscape is rapidly changing as major landlords maximise on the population growth of this region.

The first stage of the 10,648m2 Stockland Birtinya shopping centre features a flagship Coles and ALDI supermarket, an open-air dining precinct, some 30 specialty retailers and 522 car parking spaces.

Amanda Hayes, General Manager, Retail Asset Management and Operations at Stockland, said: “We’re very excited to deliver a first class retail experience for this booming area on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast that will meet the needs of this rapidly growing community now and well into the future. 

Sustainability has been at the forefront of the development, with Stockland committing to a 5 Star Green Star As Built rating for the new shopping centre as well as investing $832,800 in a 550 KW solar project. Comprising 1,896 rooftop solar panels, the new rooftop solar system covers a roof area of approximately 3,700m2 and is expected to generate approximately 882,000 kWh of renewable energy per year, enough to power over 160 homes.

Member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie MP, said the new Stockland Birtinya Shopping Centre will be a great asset for the region, bringing new opportunities and new jobs for local community. 

“With a number of national brands and retailers, I’ve no doubt this centre will quickly become a fantastic shopping destination for residents of Kawana and the Sunshine Coast.” 

Official Opening L-H; Jarrod Bleijie MP, Member for Kawana, Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Cr Peter Cox, Sunshine Cost Council, Amanda Hayes, General Manager, Retail Asset Management and Operations, Shane Monro, Centre Manager

Cr Cox noted the rapid growth in Birtinya and the role the centre will play in meeting the demand for retail goods and services.

“With the growth in this area, this centre will very quickly become the beating-heart of what will be a thriving health, business and residential precinct”, Cox said.

The shopping centre forms part of the broader $830 million Birtinya Town Centre, which will also features a new civic plaza, walkable waterfront along Lake Kawana and open green space – all integrated with commercial, health related research facilities and residential.

Amanda Hayes continues: “The new centre embraces its location with coastal-inspired architectural finishes, extensive landscaping and a relaxed indoor and outdoor atmosphere. 

“We have taken our time to design a refreshing and progressive ‘oasis-style’ shopping destination that truly brings to life the future of retail, and compliments the high level of social and economic growth within Oceanside and the Sunshine Coast. 

“This will become the region’s dynamic urban heart, a place that is central and easily accessible – a place that connects people for business, fun and importantly, creates a regional destination for the Sunshine Coast”, Hayes said. 

“We’ve listened to the community from the very beginning and have pushed the boundaries with every element of this development, bringing together the best in retail, design, innovation and sustainability to create a vibrant centre that the whole community can enjoy. 

“Not only do we offer a strong retail mix, focusing on fresh food and services, we have also incorporated a number of important community initiatives into the centre.” 

New play area

The new shopping centre also includes additional features to make life easier for people of all abilities, including a new inclusive playground developed in consultation with the Touched By Olivia Foundation as well as a dedicated Quiet Room designed to create a safe place for parents, carers and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Located off Kawana Way, directly opposite the world class Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and only a short distance away from the Birtinya Retirement Village, Stockland Birtinya is expected to become a vibrant and thriving town centre that will serve a future catchment of more than 135,000 local residents.