Kingston’s new Spring Farm Village shopping centre will open its doors on May 20, with all stores including Coles and specialty retailers set to welcome customers from that morning.
The $60 million retail development on the Channel Highway opposite Bunnings is now in the final stretch of construction, with more than 350 workers recently on site on the one day fitting out shops.
Developer Tipalea Partners will follow the opening with a family fun day on May 30, featuring more than $100,000 worth of activities and giveaways.
Scott Spanton, chief executive of Tipalea Partners, told Pulse the centre has exceeded even his own expectations.
“It’ll be the most beautiful centre I’ve ever created with an amazing team,” he told Pulse.
Spanton, who has developed around 10 shopping centres, said Spring Farm Village has overtaken another Tasmanian project as the best he’s been involved with.
“Glebe Hill was my favourite up until now,” he said.
“But this is another level.”
He credited the builders, Fairbrother Group, with going above and beyond what was asked of them under the design and construct contract.
“When they’ve been required to do something to a particular level, they’ve always gone one level higher in terms of they’ve done, no, we can do better than that,” he said.
“And the finishes are just great.”
Spanton said he’s been impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit of the tenants, many of whom are local operators rather than big national chains.
He pointed to businesses like Smashboy Burgers, Viva Italia, Pantheon Greek, Happy Larry’s Cafe and a local bakery and butcher as standout additions.
“They’re all entrepreneurs,” he said.
“They’re all really good at what they do.”
The family fun day on May 30 will feature a 30-second trolley dash at Coles, kids’ workshops, face painting, magic shows and more than $50,000 in prizes.
Spanton said the 10-day gap between the store opening and the fun day was deliberate, giving retailers time to settle in before the expected rush.
