Construction Commences on $60M Gateway Shopping Centre in Grafton – Targeting Australia’s First 5 Star NABERS Rating for LFR  

Tycorp Construction appointed to deliver Northern Rivers’ most progressive LFR destination 

The Tyas family’s development arm, CADRE has commenced construction on the $60 million Gateway Centre in Grafton, marking a significant milestone for the transformative large format retail (LFR) development in the Northern Rivers region. 

Located at 21 Through Street on the southern approach to the new Grafton Bridge, the 3.42-hectare site is brought to life by Tycorp Construction, the construction arm of the Tyas Family. 

Working in consultation with HipvHype, CADRE will deliver what is anticipated to be Australia’s first-ever 5 star NABERS rated LFR centre after achieving the nominated target rating.  

The centre was designed in collaboration with globally renowned architects Bruce Henderson and celebrated local landscape studio LARC.  

CADRE aims to reimagine what LFR can be for regional communities, the Gateway Centre is already 90% pre-committed, with national brands including Anaconda, Metcash Total Tools, Repco, Petbarn, RSEA, Anytime Fitness, Oz Education Childcare and Banjos Bakery confirmed.  

The design moves away from bold signage and concrete-heavy façades, instead embracing steel structures inspired by the original Grafton Bridge, dense native landscaping, vertical gardens and embedded public art. 

The project is proudly funded by senior financier Commonwealth Bank supported by the local team out of Coffs Harbour. 

“This is a community-centric space designed for low impact and social interaction to bring community and soul back into the spaces we create,” said Nicholas Tyas, Co-Director at CADRE.  

“CADRE has worked closely with national A-Grade tenants to purpose-build regional spaces to suit their needs whilst respecting the values of the Northern Rivers region which is all about community and being present. We have brought this to life in line with our ethos at CADRE which is to design with empathy towards the end-user.”  

James Tyas, Tycorp Construction’s Director added: 
“We’re proud to be delivering a project that reflects the future of regional development. Construction is about more than just building, it’s about translating vision into something tangible and lasting. Our team is focused on delivering a centre that locals will be proud of for generations.” 

Construction of the outdoor arcade — soon to be home to food trucks, EV charging and the central spine mural — is also underway, with a public art competition to be launched in partnership with the Grafton Regional Gallery later this year. 

The Gateway Centre is expected to open in 2026.