A new shopping centre nearing completion in Kingston is expected to create around 200 jobs, with a local forum planned later this month to connect employers with jobseekers ahead of the centre’s opening.
Spring Farm Village, a $60 million retail development on Channel Highway opposite Bunnings, is scheduled to open on May 20.
Developer Tipalea says the project has entered its final stage, with the centre now handed over to tenants to begin fitting out their stores.
Senior development manager James Brake said construction was almost complete.
“Spring Farm Village is nearing completion and we have now handed over to our retail tenants to start their fit-out works,” he said.
Retailers including Coles, RACT, St Luke’s Dental, Chemist Warehouse, Joe’s Fresh Meats and Happy Larry Deli have begun preparing their premises ahead of the opening.
Once complete, the neighbourhood retail centre will include a Coles supermarket and a mix of food outlets, services and specialty retailers designed to service Kingston and surrounding communities.
A Spring Farm Village Jobs Forum will be held at the Kingborough Community Hub on March 25, giving jobseekers the opportunity to meet employers recruiting for roles at the new retail hub. More than 350 people have already registered to attend.
Employers attending the event include Coles, RACT, St Luke’s, Chemist Warehouse and several food and hospitality businesses.
The centre is expected to support around 350 jobs in total once fully operational, including about 200 new roles currently being recruited across retail, customer service and hospitality.
Coles will be the largest employer at the centre, with plans to hire around 100 staff across departments including bakery, fresh produce, deli and customer service.
Coles Spring Farm Village store manager Marcus Jackson said recruitment had already begun.
“It’s great to see the store coming together and we’re on track to open our doors to the community on Wednesday 20 May,” he said.
A grand opening celebration, including a family fun day for the community, is planned for May 30.
