Marketplace Gungahlin levels up with $60 million expansion

on 06 October 2022 in Local News

Media Release September 2022

Marketplace Gungahlin is excited to officially announce a $60 million expansion, which will see an overhead bridge and new level built above Kmart and Woolworths

The expansion is part of the centre’s Stage 4 development titled, “Level Up”. It will bring a total of 19 new retailers to the Marketplace, including the largest format Chemist Warehouse in Canberra, an Aldi Supermarket, a 1000 square metre Asian supermarket and 16 specialty retailers.

The expansion comes after it was revealed in the 2021 census that Gungahlin is the fastest growing region in the ACT.

“We’re so thrilled to be enriching Marketplace’s offering with a new retail mix that responds to the significant growth in the region and brings more convenience and an elevated shopping experience to Gungahlin,” says Marketplace’s Development Manager, Phillip Knackstedt.

“We don’t just want to exceed community needs and expectations, we also want to give reasons for people outside of Gungahlin to visit the region and drive further economic growth here too.”

Part of the expansion includes a pedestrian Skywalk Bridge over Hibberson Street connecting the brand new Level 1 addition above Kmart with the South Mall, where Big W currently stands.

“In 2017 we tackled the underground connection of the two malls when we opened the underground carpark. Now, as we level up, we’re offering even more connectivity and convenience via an overhead bridge,” says Knackstedt.

The theme of connectivity continues with the inclusion of a brand-new indoor children’s playground to the extension that further cements Marketplace as a destination for the community to connect.

“This play space will be a fantastic meeting point for family and friends where they can enjoy some time together or simply have some respite after a busy day of shopping,” says Knackstedt.

The first key milestone of construction is set to occur this Monday October 10, when the Skywalk bridge is delivered and Hibberson Street is closed for its construction.

“Construction of the bridge is monumental – it’s enormous with a floor area of approximately 130 square metres and a height of approximately 4.5 meters,

and requires a police escort to get to its location. It’s going to be quite the experience and a game changer for the Town Centre.”

“The bridge link will provide undercover and air-conditioned access across Hibberson St which the community has been requesting for some time.” says Knackstedt.

While Hibberson Street remains closed to vehicles during the duration of the bridge’s construction, the street will remain open and accessible to pedestrians as normal.

Once complete, Marketplace will offer two supermarkets (Woolworths and Aldi), two discount department stores (Kmart and Big W), two “Mini Majors” (Chemist Warehouse and daily Asian Supermarket), over 120 stores including retail and services, two kid’s indoor playgrounds, and over 1300 car park spaces.

The expansion is set to be completed in July 2023.

New retailers included in the $60m upgrade: