PLANS for a shopping centre at Thornlands are back on the table, with a development application for a $70 million retail precinct lodged with council.
The project has come under intense scrutiny since council granted preliminary approval of the development in 2015.
The owners of three other local shopping centres - Lipoma, Lanrex and Victoria Point Lakeside - appealed the development approval over concerns it would conflict with existing area plans.
Other concerns included noise and light disruption, koala issues, general amenity and traffic.
The case was dismissed by the Planning and Environment Court in 2019 and the Supreme Court of Appeal in August last year.
The centre, called Paradise Garden Shopping Village, is proposed to be built on the corner of Boundary Road and Panorama Drive at Thornlands.
It is expected to include specialty stores, a service station, medical centre, tavern and alfresco dining spaces.
The project will be overseen by Development Directive and will be owned by the Wong family, who have held the site for more than 50 years.
Development Directive senior consultant Peter Macgregor said the centre would provide the equivalent of 270 part-time, full time and casual retail jobs for locals.
He said the development would pay homage to the site's history and the design would set it apart from other local centres.
"The retail site is positioned adjacent to dedicated public parkland and green space which will be privately owned and maintained by the Wong family for the local community to enjoy," he said.
"It was a priority throughout the design process to ensure the design of the parklands allowed for the retention of significant native vegetation that exists along the north-west and northern boundaries."
The number of shops, restaurants and commercial tenancies at Paradise Garden was yet to be determined, but would include a range of large and small stores.
Construction would start after the development application was approved, with site works expected to begin late this year.
"The aim is to create a place where the Thornlands community can bring their family to explore the adjacent green space, enjoy a fresh meal with friends and shop locally and conveniently," Mr McGregor said.
"The site was historically used for agricultural purposes which then became home to the iconic Round Shop, a landmark which longstanding locals will remember fondly."
A total of 167 undercover car parks and 233 other car parks would be included on the 6.25 hectare site.
The project is expected to cost $70 million.
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