WARWICK’S Rose City Shoppingworld is set for a $40 million facelift over the next few months.
Queensland-based property developer McConaghy Group has begun major works on the centre with a section of road on Fitzroy Street now closed for about about three months to facilitate infrastructure works adjoining the centre.
The expansion will see more than 160 new car parking spaces added with a new basement entry off Fitzroy Street, 20 additional specialty shops, an enhanced food court with seating provided for up to 250 and a new parents room and amenities.
McConaghy Group managing director Robert McConaghy said the redevelopment was designed to bring a modern shopping experience to Warwick while being sympathetic to the heritage style of the CBD.
“We are very proud to be bringing this enhanced shopping experience to Warwick,” Mr McConaghy said.
“This will be a welcome addition to the CBD and boost the local economy through additional jobs and retail spending in the town.
“We expect 200 permanent local jobs to be created and for Rose City to attract shoppers from throughout the region and northern New South Wales.”
It is expected the redevelopment will be completed by mid-2017 and will employ up to 200 construction workers.
Southern Downs Regional Council mayor Tracy Dobie said the Rose City Shoppingworld expansion is a major coup for Warwick.
“The council has a strong interest in working with business and industry to attract new investment to our region to stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities for residents,” she said.
“This redevelopment will generate considerable numbers of jobs, both during the construction phase, and on completion, and young people could benefit from the anticipated addition of a number of new retail shops.
“The council appreciates that the closure of a section of Fitzroy Street will cause some inconvenience to motorists during the construction phase; but this short term pain will reap some long term economic and employment gains for Warwick and the broader Southern Downs region.
“We also want to assure residents that the redevelopment and partial street closure will not impact on the dressing of trees for the upcoming Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival.”
The redevelopment includes Coles Supermarkets bringing new market-style full-line Coles supermarket to Rose City in place of the previous Bi-Lo store.
The new main mall entry on the corner of Palmerin and Fitzroy streets will mean the partial dismantling of the Westpac building to allow for the construction of a new building for Westpac adjoining the current location. Westpac has committed to a new-look branch at Rose City.
Other features include a new travelator and a new lift with access to the expanded undercover parking, and a new landscaped arbour adjacent to Leslie Park.
Demolition work is now underway at Bi-Lo to make way for basement excavation and has been completed at Magnolia Arcade and Golders on Palmerin Street.
Rose City Shoppingworld centre management has been relocated to Palmerin Street.
In 2015, McConaghy completed the restoration of the historic Plumb’s Chambers building on Fitzroy Street, Warwick, into a fully functioning commercial building again in the Warwick community.
McConaghy Group has been a corporate citizen of Warwick since 1984 when it opened the original town shopping centre as Woolworths and a few specialty shops.
In 1998, McConaghy transformed Rose City to its current size and layout.
Information to customers on the redevelopment will be available in the centre or by contacting centre management on (07) 4667 0142.
