Grand Central, Queensland

QIC launched the initial stage of its $500-million redevelopment for Grand Central Shopping Centre in the regional Queensland town of Toowoomba on September 15, with more than 40 new stores officially bringing the centre up to ‘Big Guns’ status for the first time.

The two-level retail galleria is a primarily fashion-focused offering incorporating classic contemporary and urban youth precincts and featuring brands new to the region. The galleria also revealed one of Australia’s first regional H&M stores, welcoming thousands of excited shoppers, many of whom lined up from 6am to be among the first in store.

Stage one is just the first milestone of Grand Central’s major redevelopment. Stage two, opening mid-2017, will feature another 140 retailers, with precincts including fresh-food and dining destinations, as well as an integrated outdoor entertainment and leisure space, which will become a stunning focal point for the community.

Grand Central takes pride of place within Toowoomba’s CBD, and aims to deliver an urban renewal program that befits the booming regional town while also capturing the significant retail expenditure previously lost to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The launch coincided with Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers celebrations, drawing crowds from around the nation to the ‘Garden City’. Events included the Grand Central Floral Parade, with around 100,000 people lining the parade route for the annual spectacle.

Celebrations for the Carnival of Flowers continued in Grand Central, with floral-themed entertainment and activations delighting visitors throughout the weekend, and drawing record crowds to the centre.