Lendlease’s $440 million upgrade of Sunshine Plaza is garnering awards and applause for a range of smart, sustainable initiatives that enhance the customer experience.
Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and owned by the Lendlease-managed Australian Prime Property Fund Retail (APPF Retail) and GPT, Sunshine Plaza’s upgrade was revealed in late March.
Since then, the redevelopment has achieved international attention, including the Gold Sustainability Award at last month’s 2019 ICSC Asia Pacific Shopping Centre Awards in Singapore.
According to David McNamara, APPF Retail’s fund manager, the redevelopment “delivered the first super-regional shopping centre north of Brisbane” and “cemented the centre’s position as a leading retail and lifestyle destination in Queensland”.
The centre’s redevelopment has added more than 34,000 sqm of additional retail space, expanding it from 73,000 sqm to 107,000 sqm.
The redeveloped shopping centre features the region’s first David Jones store with 8000 sqm floor space, a 6500 sqm Big W, H&M, Sephora, Lululemon, Kathmandu, JB Hi-Fi, Mecca, Seed Heritage, Sheike and approximately 60 other specialty stores.
The sustainability initiatives integrated into the shopping centre’s redevelopment includes the installation of a 2,700-panel, 1.1 megawatt solar power system – one of the largest at any shopping centre in Australia. The system generates electricity equivalent to supplying 300 homes and reduce emissions equivalent to taking around 370 cars off the road each year.
The upgrade achieved 5-star NABERS Energy rating, while the industry average is 3.5 stars. The centre is also on track to achieve 5 Star Green Star certification for design and construction.
According to the Green Building Council of Australia, retail outlets that provide fresh air, natural light, and that are water and energy efficient generate higher sales and retain more productive staff.
Sunshine Plaza also features end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and the first Tesla supercharger station north of Brisbane CBD, capable of charging six vehicles.
The building fitout also incorporated energy efficient LED lighting and long-life fluorescent fittings, high efficiency water fixtures and fittings, and 283,000-litre rainwater capture system.
“Sunshine Plaza has always been one of GPT’s high performing retail assets, and the recent expansion has ensured it remains the leading retail, dining, entertainment and shopping destination on the Sunshine Coast,” says GPT’s head of retail, Chris Barnett.