In one of the largest retail projects in the country, The Cohen Group’s Stage 6 expansion has elevated Burnside Village to the top tier of Australian retail. With three new levels of retail, a luxury mall, and an influx of national and global flagships, the transformation positions Burnside Village as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural landmark in Adelaide’s retail landscape.
It’s not every day a retail centre doubles in size – and elevates itself to Tier-1 luxury in the process. But that’s exactly what Burnside Village has achieved. Anchored in the heart of metropolitan Adelaide, this South Australian icon has redefined what premium retail means for the market, uniting architectural ambition with deep community connection.
The 54-year-old centre has long held a special place in Adelaide’s retail landscape. With Stage 6, The Cohen Group has delivered a bold and transformative expansion that cements Burnside Village as a national benchmark for design-led retail destinations.
A bold vision realised
Construction on Stage 6 commenced in 2023 with a singular goal: to deliver a retail centre of excellence. It was a landmark investment for The Cohen Group – the largest retail project in Australia at the time – made possible through strong leadership, a dedicated management team, and the full support of the Board.
Stage 6 introduced three new levels of retail, including a dedicated luxury mall, a home and Lifestyle precinct, Village Dining, and Health and Wellness spaces. The expansion added 20,000sqm of additional GLA, doubling the centre’s footprint to 39,000sqm and creating over 80 new specialty stores, bringing the total number of retailers close to 160.
The strategic aim was clear: Elevate the shopping experience, attract new international and national brands, broaden the demographic reach, and reinforce Burnside Village’s position as South Australia’s leading retail destination. The centre has long been a cornerstone of the area’s eastern suburbs, and this expansion extends its influence into new markets and consumer segments.
World-class design and delivery
The architectural and interior design for Stage 6 was led by Buchan, which created spaces that complement the existing mall while elevating its design language. Wide, light-filled malls with glazed atrium ceilings and interconnecting voids between levels give the centre a modern, airy feel, blending functionality with aesthetic impact.
Construction was managed by Hansen Yuncken, with the support of South Australian contractors, consultants, and suppliers. Stage 6 generated more than 1,625 construction jobs and will sustain a further 1100 operational roles – a tangible economic contribution to the local community.
A standout feature is the custom-sourced Lanik roof, designed and manufactured in Spain. This architectural marvel functions as both a practical structure and an artistic statement, enhancing tenant and customer attraction while supporting climate-responsive sustainability measures.
Operational improvements include an additional 560 free undercover parking spaces, bringing total parking to 1600, and adding new parking-management technology to optimise vehicle movement and improve customer convenience. The integration of EV charging stations further strengthens the centre’s sustainability profile, complemented by a 356kW solar panel system installed across the roof.
Luxury redefined
Stage 6 has introduced a new luxury experience to South Australia, attracting global flagships such as Tiffany & Co, Paspaley, Watches of Switzerland and the Louis Vuitton Pop Up. Many retailers made their first entry into the state, signalling Burnside Village’s elevated status in the national retail landscape.
The leasing strategy carefully balanced international and national brands with local favourites, securing a mix of offerings across fashion, lifestyle, home and wellness categories.
Notable additions include Ralph Lauren, Zimmermann, Georg Jensen, Camilla and Marc, Elka Collective, Kivari, Oroton, Seafolly, Stylerunner, MECCA, UNIQLO, Simone Perele, Aje, and Viktoria & Woods.
The Home and Lifestyle precinct was expanded with flagship Coco Republic, Bed Bath N’ Table, JB Hi-Fi, Le Creuset, and Wheel & Barrow. The Lifestyle precinct was anchored by the state’s first Adidas Performance store, alongside LSKD, Arc’teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, offering consumers a diverse and aspirational retail mix.
Village Dining and community spaces
Burnside Village has also introduced Village Dining, creating a social and culinary destination within the centre. The light-filled conservatory hosts a curated mix of local and international food concepts, including Eccoci Ristorante, 18th Street Hot Pot, Superbutter, Kazumi Ramen, Momoto, Zambrero, and Boost Juice, with BaMi, Sip & Sear, New Shanghai, and Erato Teppanyaki joining shortly. The precinct has quickly become a gathering point for both local residents and visitors, enhancing dwell time and complementing the luxury retail offer.
The expansion also focuses on experiential retail. Every detail, from triple-laminated curved glass to design-led interiors, was considered to enhance customer touchpoints and deliver a premium experience throughout the centre.
Art, culture and sustainability
Art has been integrated into the fabric of Burnside Village, with five one-of-a-kind sculptures commissioned in partnership with Guildhouse Inc. These works, strategically placed throughout the centre, encourage engagement between art and the community. The monumental 11-metre bronze sculpture, Celestial Life Form by Peter Syndicas, draws inspiration from the Flinders Ranges and serves as a striking centrepiece in the new atrium.
Sustainability remains central to the centre’s operational strategy. The 356kW solar panel system, EV infrastructure, and improved parking systems exemplify a forward-looking approach to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Community engagement and events
Burnside Village continues to engage the community through a year-round calendar of events to involve and delight. Seasonal runway shows attract fashion enthusiasts from across the state, while the 2025 Christmas campaign will feature Adelaide Symphony Orchestra performances, new first-of decorations, Santa sets, and exclusive customer giveaways.
There are plans to continue the evolution with more retailers and amenities in 2026 and beyond. Nothing is off the table. Everything matters. This will include opening further elevated and premium stores and community spaces.
For more than 50 years, the Cohen Group and Burnside Village have cultivated a deep connection with the surrounding community, steadily establishing a strong reputation for their curated mix of premium fashion and specialty stores. This commitment to quality and service allows Burnside Village to grow organically, positioning it today not just as a successful retail asset, but as a major South Australian tourist landmark that continues to set the benchmark for customer experiences both locally and internationally.
- This profile on Burnside Village was first published in SCN magazine
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