Hundreds of excited shoppers have inundated a new $80 million retail centre in the region’s largest masterplanned community as a string of major stores begin opening their doors.
Aura Home + Life is progressively coming to life at Baringa, adding a significant new shopping precinct to the rapidly expanding Caloundra South community.
Developed by Capital Property Group, the 20,000sqm centre, on the corner of Graf Drive and Aura Boulevard, was officially opened on Friday, with stores already welcoming customers earlier in the week.
Spotlight opened its new 4000sqm Caloundra outlet on Wednesday, drawing crowds with entertainment, giveaways and opening-day promotions, while outdoor and adventure giant Anaconda is scheduled to open on Saturday.
Other retailers opening this week included Rebel, Supercheap Auto, The Good Guys, Harris Scarfe, TK Maxx, Beacon Lighting, Petstock and Pillow Talk, with Adairs, Baby Bunting and Café 63 to follow in September.
Capital Property Group head of property Richard Snow said seeing customers walk through the doors for the first time was the culmination of years of planning and construction.
“Today is about much more than opening a new retail precinct,” he said.
“It represents a significant investment in this region and the creation of hundreds of local jobs, while giving residents access to a range of leading national retailers much closer to home.”
The development is also expected to create hundreds of local jobs.
Anaconda’s new store alone will provide about 40 to 50 positions.
Caloundra store manager Brody Gray said the company had been looking for an opportunity to establish itself in the area.
“We know Caloundra is a true gateway to adventure, with incredible coastal and inland experiences right on its doorstep and across the Sunshine Coast region,” he said.
“Anaconda has been searching for the perfect location to open in Caloundra, and we’re thrilled to finally open our doors and become part of the local community.”
The precinct is another step in Aura’s transformation from a developing residential area into a major community with an expanding mix of homes, businesses, shops, schools, recreation and services.
Stockland Aura development director Josh Sondergeld said the opening indicated how far Aura had evolved over the past decade.
“Now home to more than 16,000 residents, the community has reached a scale that can support significant retail, employment, and service investment,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“Capital Property Group’s $80 million investment is a strong vote of confidence in Aura’s future, echoing the scale and pace of growth and the long-term opportunities we’re seeing.”
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The opening of Aura Home + Life comes as further major retail development takes shape at Aura, including the future Aura Town Centre.
To celebrate the opening, there will be a community day at the precinct on Saturday, September 12 from 10am to 1pm, with free children’s activities.
