Lend Lease-owned shopping centre in Mackay, Caneland Central, has reopened following a $230 million expansion, which took 18 months.

Managed by Australian Prime Property Fund Retail (APPF Retail) and developed, designed, constructed and managed by Lend Lease, the expanded centre has transformed from sub-regional to regional status, increasing from 39,000sqm to 65,000sqm GLA.

The redeveloped Caneland Central is being anchored by region’s first Myer Department Store, two supermarkets, two discount department stores, a number of mini-majors and over 230 specialty stores.

The centre also features a state of the art 750 seat food court, restaurants and cafés, additional parking for 1,290 cars and an extensive public artwork component.

Lend Lease CEO for Australian business Mark Menhinnitt said the expansion will provide an important economic boost for the economy and greater choice of retail services for the Mackay community.

“Importantly, the centre will inject a significant boost to the local economy and more employment opportunities. We expect more than 3,500 jobs to be generated during and after construction,” he said.

The expansion of Caneland Central is part of APPF Retail’s long term strategy to enhance the potential of its high performing major regional shopping centres.

Managing director of Lend Lease’s investment management business in Australia Carmel Hourigan said Caneland Central has continually delivered steady sales growth since the centre was acquired in 2001.

“With new facilities and the addition of Myer and other retailers, coupled with the region’s ongoing population and economic growth, we are confident Caneland Central will continue to perform strongly into the future,” she said.

Additionally, the expanded centre has been designed to reduce its impact on the environment by limiting energy and water usage as well as recycling its waste, with the Green Building Council of Australia earlier this week announcing the redeveloped component has been awarded a 4 Star Green Star – Retail Centre Design v1 Certified Rating, which represents ‘Best Practice’ in environmentally sustainable design.

Construction of the new western mall is being finalised, with remaining retailers to be progressively opened from mid October, with Coles Supermarket opening in November, along with 240 car spaces in the new north-east car park.