Tipalea Unveils Plans for $100M+ Gladstone Homemaker Retail Centre

New Gladstone Centre to Unlock More Local Shopping, Greater Convenience + New Jobs

Gladstone residents are set to have more choice on their doorstep, with plans progressing for a major new homemaker precinct at Kin Kora.

The proposed $100+ million development will transform the Gladstone Golf Club site into an approximately 25,000 square metre retail precinct, responding to growing demand for greater shopping choice across Gladstone and the wider Central Queensland region.

Yaralla Sports Club, owners of Gladstone Golf Club, are progressing plans for the redevelopment, with an application similar to a rezoning expected to be lodged with Gladstone Regional Council in December. To help bring the project to life, Yaralla is working with Tipalea Partners, an experienced retail developer of 25 years specialising in regional projects across Australia.

The new centre is proposed to include approximately 25,000 square metres of big box retail space, around a dozen big box retailers complemented by fuel and fast-food retailers and a huge on-grade car park with over 700 bays.

Preliminary leasing discussions for the new retail precinct have begun with a mix of well-known national brands and local operators across categories including furniture, electrical, outdoor sports, bedding, homewares and trade supplies.

By bringing everyday shopping, dining, home and lifestyle retailers together in one easily accessible location, the precinct will make it easier for local families, homeowners and tradespeople to shop locally, reducing the need to travel to Rockhampton for greater retail choice.

The Kin Kora Homemaker Centre is also expected to create approximately 1,200 local job opportunities during construction, followed by a further 400 ongoing job opportunities once the centre opens.

With more than 25 years of experience delivering retail projects, Tipalea places a strong focus on involving local communities in the development process.

“Exceptional community engagement is something that we pride ourselves on at Tipalea – we really like to bring the community along for the entire journey. We will soon be asking the community to name the centre, choose the logo and tell us what they want to see in their centre as well as having a number of in person community Q&A sessions.” Scott Spanton, CEO of Tipalea Partners said.

Designed by i2C Architects, the centre will focus on creating a convenient, accessible and welcoming shopping experience, while delivering a major expansion of Gladstone’s existing retail precinct for the wider Central Queensland region.

Gladstone Golf Club to Tee Off at Bigger New Home

As plans for the retail precinct progress, Yaralla Sports Club is also preparing for an exciting new chapter, with plans to relocate Gladstone Golf Club to a larger championship golf course at Byellee Waters.

“This move represents an exciting new chapter for both the Club and the wider community. Our new, larger home will allow us to create a championship golf course supported by accommodation, hospitality and community facilities,” Yaralla Sports Club CEO Will Schroeder said.

“We’re also delighted that our current site will have a new future as a big box retail centre, ensuring the land continues to serve the Gladstone community for many years to come.”

The new 18-hole championship golf course at Byellee Waters is planned to include a clubhouse, community and event facilities, an RV park, four-star resort, practice greens and mini golf, all set amongst the site’s natural wetlands.

Works at Byellee Waters are expected to commence in early 2027, with completion targeted for mid-2029.

Yaralla Sports Club is a not-for-profit organisation, with profits reinvested into the Club and the local community.

New Homemaker Centre to Unlock More Choice for Gladstone Shoppers

Tipalea Partners CEO Scott Spanton said the proposed development represented a significant investment in Gladstone and would help create local jobs while keeping more retail spending within the region.

“Gladstone is growing, but the community still has limited choice across a number of major retail categories,” Mr Spanton said.

“Rather than travel to Rocky, this precinct will bring those choices closer to home, creating a convenient destination where people can pick up their everyday groceries, grab something to eat and shop for everything from furniture and bedding to electrical goods, homewares, outdoor equipment and trade supplies.

“For us, this is about creating a centre that genuinely works for Gladstone. That’s why we want the community involved early and why we’ll be asking locals what they want to see as the plans continue to develop,” he said.

Subject to planning and other approvals, the Kin Kora Homemaker Centre is expected to open in 2030.

Local Stakeholders Support New Centre

Dee Dalton, CEO of Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL)

“It’s fantastic to see this level of private investment being proposed for Gladstone. It shows real confidence in our region and is an exciting opportunity to create local jobs while giving our community greater shopping choice right here at home,” said Dee Dalton, CEO of Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd (GAPDL).

“Keeping more spending in our region is a big win for local businesses and our economy. It’s also about making the Gladstone Region a more attractive place to live and visit, which is something we’re passionate about.

“Our Tourism Strategic Plan and Destination Management Plan recognise the importance of investment that strengthens our region’s appeal and supports growth in visitor expenditure.

“We want locals to feel proud of where they live, and developments like the proposed Kin Kora Homemaker Centre show the confidence others have in our region’s future.”

Glenn Butcher MP, Member for Gladstone

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Gladstone and another strong vote of confidence in the future of our region. For years, locals have been telling me they want more shopping options right here in Gladstone, without having to jump in the car and head to Rocky. This proposed $100 million-plus investment is a big step towards making that happen,” said Glenn Butcher MP, Member for Gladstone.

“What excites me most is the potential for hundreds of local jobs, both during construction and once the centre opens, along with more opportunities for local businesses. It’s also great to see Yaralla Sports Club planning for a new championship golf course, which could be another terrific asset for our region.

Gladstone is a growing city, and we deserve the same shopping choices and facilities as other major regional centres. I look forward to seeing these plans progress and, importantly, making sure our community has a say in what comes next.”