In early 2001 John Stirling could see the demonstrable need for a local, quality shopping centre. Market research conducted by Lauder Pty. Ltd. confirmed this need so early planning was conducted on various design options and retail mixes with retailers and the Crows Nest Shire Council (CNS). Part of the commercial land was sold to a consortium to develop a tavern and soon construction of the Higfhfields Tavern commenced.
Under the guidance of CNS Mayor, Geoff Patch and CEO, David McEvoy (who both shared Lauder’s vision for a future quality vibrant Town Centre) the heart of Highfields was borne.
With all approvals in place construction of Stage One of Highfields Village Shopping Centre commenced in late 2002. This initial stage comprised of a 2500m2 Action Supermarket and 14 specialty shops providing a total of approx. 5000m2 GFA.
The Highfields Village Shopping centre was officially opened on 8th December 2003 by the then Premier of Queensland Hon. Peter Beattie MLA.
Lauder’s Pty. Ltd. vision for Highfields Village Shopping Centre is to address best practice urban design principals by where the Shopping Centre would seamlessly link to other surrounding community assets (Tavern, Schools, Sport & Recreation and Community facilities) This enables the overall stable of assets to become a community hub where the residents of Highfields and surrounds can meet, shop, socialise and recreate.
In November 2005 Woolworths Supermarkets took over the Action Supermarket lease as part of a national buy out of Action assets by Metcash which saw Woolworths Supermarkets purchase the leases for four prime supermarket locations in Queensland.
Trade at the centre continues to grow on a monthly basis and is reflective of the strong population growth in the Highfields / Crows Nest area of over 5% per annum making it one of the top half a dozen growth areas in the state. But more then this it is also reflective of the strong community link the Highfields Village Shopping Centre has with the people of the Highfields region.
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