Kingston’s first new shopping centre in more than 15 years was officially opened on Saturday, with the $60 million Spring Farm Village drawing an estimated 10,000 locals to its Family Fun Day celebration.
The centre opened on May 20, with the fun day held on Saturday May 30 featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony with Kingborough councillor David Bain, Tipalea Partners chief executive Scott Spanton and Coles Tasmanian regional manager John Carrington.
More than $40,000 in prizes and giveaways were handed out, with 300 winners snapping up vouchers worth up to $500.
The day also featured a Coles Trolley Dash prize pool of more than $3,000 and $2,500 in random acts of kindness from Coles, Chemist Warehouse and Jo’s Fresh Meats.
There was face painting, kids’ workshops, a 360-degree photobooth and live watercolour portraits, while community groups including Tassie Mums and Kingston Blues Netball added local flavour.
“We are very excited about Spring Farm Village – it is without doubt the best shopping centre we have ever created,” Spanton said.
“The project has also delivered a major boost to local employment, generating more than 1,200 job opportunities, including over 300 ongoing jobs with our retailers.”
Tasmanian contractor Fairbrother delivered the build over 15 months, supporting around 500 construction jobs onsite.
“It is a truly iconic project for southern Tasmania and another successful collaboration with Tipalea,” Fairbrother general manager Paul Ransley said.
Fairbrother recorded more than 156,000 labour hours across the project, with an average of 90 workers onsite daily.
“There’s already a strong community feel in the store with customers making Spring Farm Village part of their weekly routine, and that’s been incredibly rewarding for the whole team,” Coles store manager Marcus Jackson said.
