Mirvac Archives - Nundah News

Fresh Plans Revealed for the Future of Toombul Shopping Centre

The long‑empty site of the former Toombul Shopping Centre is finally moving towards a new chapter. Brisbane‑based Irvine Property Group has acquired the landmark north‑side property from Mirvac, setting the stage for a retail‑led mixed‑use precinct that aims to restore the area as a community hub.

Read: Community Outcry Leads Mirvac to Prohibit Guard Dogs at Toombul Site

For decades, Toombul Shopping Centre served as a key destination for north‑side families, anchored by major retailers including Coles, Kmart, Aldi and BCC Cinemas. But repeated flooding, most notably in 2022, forced the closure of the centre, displacing around 130 retailers and disrupting access to essential services.

Toombul, July 2022 (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Mirvac had acquired the site in 2016, following earlier floods including those in January 2011, but after years of deliberation and site remediation the company decided it was no longer in a position to take the redevelopment forward on its own. In a media release dated 12 November 2025, Mirvac announced it had exchanged contracts for the sale of the site to Irvine Property Group, stating it would “enable renewed investment and the development of a new mixed‑use precinct, including a new shopping centre”.

The release noted the decision had been difficult and stressed that the scale of the site and the extensive remediation works required meant a partner with expertise in construction resource‑recovery and mixed‑use delivery was essential.

Irvine Property Group’s Managing Director, Michael Irvine, said the company was eager to deliver a project that reflected community needs. “Our priority is to deliver a new shopping centre as the first stage of a retail‑led mixed‑use development, in line with Mirvac’s draft masterplan which has Council’s in‑principle support,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of community consultation and welcomed feedback on the site’s future use. “We look forward to working through the next steps including lodging the first development application for a new retail centre and housing,” Mr Irvine added.

The redevelopment is planned in stages. Stage one will focus on a modern shopping centre and community plaza with integrated green and public spaces, flood‑resilient design, and upgraded transport links. Subsequent stages will include residential apartments and townhouses, mixed‑use retail and dining precincts, and public‑realm enhancements.

Local and federal representatives have welcomed the announcement, noting the centre’s importance to the north‑side community and promising residents another opportunity to contribute through the development‑application process. Settlement of the sale is expected in the coming months, after which Irvine Property Group will lead the detailed planning and construction phases.

Spanning approximately 100,000 square metres, the former Toombul site represents a significant opportunity for Brisbane’s north‑side. Irvine’s experience in projects across Newstead, Teneriffe and Bulimba suggests a focus on quality, sustainable design and community engagement.

Read: What’s Next for Toombul Shopping Centre? Mirvac Announces Redevelopment Plans

For residents, the project offers more than just shopping and housing: it’s a chance to revive a familiar community hub, combining retail, residential and public spaces in a modern, flood‑resilient precinct.

The Toombul Shopping Centre’s rebirth signals a hopeful future for Nundah and surrounding suburbs, transforming a once‑devastated site into a vibrant, multi‑purpose destination for north‑side families.

Published 14-November-2025

What’s Next for Toombul Shopping Centre? Mirvac Announces Redevelopment Plans

With the Toombul Shopping Centre now completely demolished, the once-bustling retail hub has been reduced to an empty space, leaving locals eager to know what will rise in its place. Amid the uncertainty, Mirvac has provided a glimpse of what’s to come, announcing plans of seeking financial and development partners to bring new life to the flood-prone location.

Read: Building Height Limits to Increase in Toombul, Other Shopping Precincts as Part of Growth Strategy

A New Vision for Toombul

Mirvac, which purchased the flood-prone property in 2016 for $233 million and invested another $35 million in upgrades, is now looking at a fresh approach to the site. The company has received support from BCC to transform the former shopping centre into a transit-oriented mixed-use precinct. This development could include residential apartments, retail outlets, and improved public transport connections, aiming to make the most of Toombul’s strategic location.

While there has been speculation that the site could be used for the 2032 Olympic Games, Mirvac has instead focused on a long-term solution that considers its flood history. The company has been in discussions with authorities to outline key development parameters, including traffic management, the design of a new bus interchange, open spaces, and—most critically—a flood mitigation strategy.

A Site with a Troubled Past

Toombul Shopping Centre was a key retail destination for decades, housing hundreds of stores and serving as a central hub for the local community. However, after the 2022 disaster forced the termination of hundreds of leases, the site was ultimately demolished in 2023 following BCC approval, marking the end of an era for many shoppers and businesses.

The absence of the once-thriving retail hub has already caused significant disruptions for nearby shopping precincts, leading to increased parking congestion and a gap in retail services for local residents.

Flooding remains the biggest challenge for any future development at Toombul. The site has been inundated multiple times, including during the 2011 and 2015 floods. Any new plans must incorporate robust flood resilience measures to prevent history from repeating itself.

Mirvac acknowledges this concern and has stated that addressing flood risk is “the most important part of the puzzle.” The company will need to develop a strategy that balances commercial viability with climate resilience, ensuring that any new structures are designed to withstand extreme weather events.

Next Steps: Finding the Right Partners

With BCC’s backing, Mirvac is now focused on finding financial backers and construction partners to bring its vision to life. Given the scale of the redevelopment and the current challenges in the construction industry, Mirvac is taking a collaborative approach. The company has begun engaging with a targeted group of potential investors and builders who can help turn the site into a modern urban centre.

Mirvac noted that with council support confirming permissible developments for the site, they have started discussions with selected potential partners, including investors and construction firms, to move forward with the redevelopment. Mirvac stated.

Read: Discussions Ongoing Regarding Possible Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment

A New Era for Toombul

The redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre presents a unique opportunity to reshape the area. If executed well, the project could provide much-needed housing, reinvigorate retail activity, and improve public transport connectivity. However, success will depend on how effectively Mirvac and its partners navigate the site’s flood risks and ensure that the new Toombul is built to withstand future challenges.

For now, residents and businesses in the area are waiting to see how this transformation unfolds—and whether it can finally fill the void left by Toombul’s demolition.

Published 19-February-2025

Community Outcry Leads Mirvac to Prohibit Guard Dogs at Toombul Site

National developer Mirvac has prohibited the use of security dogs by a contractor at the Toombul shopping centre site, currently under demolition, following public outrage sparked by a viral photograph.

The decision came after a distressing image, shared by local resident Kelly Harris, depicted a visibly emaciated dog confined within a small cage. The incident occurred on Monday evening, June the 17th, leading to substantial backlash from the community.

In her account, Ms Harris noted the presence of security personnel who appeared unresponsive to the distressed animal. This inaction prompted her to document and share the incident, which has since led to significant public and media reaction.

Ms Harris expressed her shock and distress upon witnessing the dog’s condition. The dog was unable to stand or shift position within the cage. The situation was exacerbated when the dog, in its agitation, partially forced open the cage door while still tethered to it.

Toombul Shopping Centre — *Photo Credit: Kelly Harris/Facebook*

Earlier in the week, Mirvac justified the use of cages as necessary for the safe transport of security dogs, meant to be temporary only. However, facing intense scrutiny and media attention, the developer revised its stance.

By Thursday, Mirvac contacted the RSPCA to aid in any ensuing investigations and reassured the public of its commitment to animal welfare.

A Mirvac spokesperson expressed deep concern over the images and eyewitness accounts of the security dog’s treatment at their Toombul site. Mirvac has directed its main contractor and their security provider to immediately cease the use of security dogs. Additionally, they plan to enhance other security measures to maintain the site’s security legally.

The demolition of the Toombul shopping centre has attracted so-called urban explorers, posing additional security challenges. Mirvac anticipates the demolition to conclude by late this year or early 2025, highlighting the site’s dangers to trespassers due to structural instabilities.

Mirvac emphasised the importance of site safety and responsible animal handling. The company stated that their contractor’s security team uses canine units that are transported in cages for strictly short durations, in compliance with a rigorous animal welfare code. Mirvac assured that all practices concerning the welfare of working animals are upheld to the highest standards.

Published 23-June-2024

Push Grows for Housing for the Needy on Toombul Site

Efforts to revamp the site of the damaged Toombul Shopping Centre, which was severely affected during the February 2022 flood event, are gaining momentum with support from various quarters.

The proposed transformation aims to create a vibrant precinct featuring social and affordable housing solutions, with significant implications for the Toombul community and Queensland. This initiative comes as a response to the growing need for affordable housing in the region.

Reflecting on his personal history, Premier Steven Miles mentioned his early employment at a café situated within the Toombul Shopping Centre and expressed his sentiment regarding its loss. Despite this, he underlined the potential of the site, particularly given its expansive size and proximity to a train station.

“It is a large piece of land with a train station – and that is exactly the kind of land that we want to see developed, and developed with affordability in mind and with a share of those properties to be social and public housing,” Mr Miles said.

Mirvac to Reveal Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment Plans Soon — Photo Credit: Mirvac

Private Ownership and Governmental Collaboration

Notably, the land in question is privately owned by the developer Mirvac. Mr Miles welcomed Housing and Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon’s commitment to collaborate with Mirvac.

Minister Scanlon expressed her intent to utilise her planning powers and social housing budget to assist in this venture. The Premier emphasised the significance of granting the Housing Minister planning powers, which could provide her with the necessary flexibility to expedite development approval.

While Brisbane City Council approved the demolition of the Toombul Shopping Centre in 2023, the precise future of the site remains uncertain. Minister Scanlon has not yet met with Mirvac to finalise the transformation of the location into residential accommodation featuring social and affordable housing.

However, she enthusiastically declared her readiness to present the proposal to the developer, citing the urgent need to address Queensland’s housing shortage. She also extended her willingness to engage with other developers interested in contributing to the cause.

Awaiting Mirvac’s Decision

A spokesperson for Mirvac stated that the company has not yet determined the future use of the once-iconic shopping centre.

The fate of the Toombul site now hinges on the collaborative efforts of the state government, private developers, and local authorities as they seek to create a more inclusive and affordable housing landscape for Queensland residents.

Published 29-Jan-2024

Kmart Initiates $10 Million Lawsuit Against Mirvac, Alleging Breach Over Toombul Flood Closure

Retail giant Kmart Australia Limited (Kmart), a subsidiary of Wesfarmers, has filed a lawsuit against Mirvac Retail Sub SPV Pty Ltd and Mirvac Capital Pty Ltd, part of the ASX-listed Mirvac group, over the closure of Toombul Shopping Centre due to flood damage.

The lawsuit, which seeks $10 million in compensation, alleges that Mirvac breached their lease agreement by closing the shopping centre. This lawsuit unfolds 18 months after Toombul Shopping Centre’s closure was initially announced due to extensive flood damage.

The Lease Dispute: Kmart vs. Mirvac

Kmart contends that it had a valid lease agreement with Mirvac until February 2027. In the claim filed in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Friday, 15 Dec 2023, Kmart asserts that Mirvac should compensate them for the loss of profit that the discount department store would have earned during the lease period.

They argue that this compensation should be based on the anticipated trading if the store had reopened after flood damage occurred on 25 and 27 Feb 2022.

Kmart further alleges that Mirvac’s estimate of the loss of profit during this time amounts to $13.4 million, reduced to $10.1 million in net present value.

According to Kmart, had the lease been in effect in April 2023, when Mirvac settled its insurance claim for flood damage, Mirvac would have breached the lease by not using the insurance payout to repair and rebuild the shopping centre.

Insurance and Repudiation: The Key Claims

Kmart’s lawsuit claims that Mirvac’s insurer had agreed to indemnify Mirvac concerning the flood damage. However, in April 2023, Mirvac informed Kmart that it had settled its insurance claim with insurer FM Insurance but could not disclose the dollar value due to confidentiality.

Kmart had already accepted Mirvac’s repudiation of the Toombul lease on 8 Sept 2022 but maintained that Mirvac’s decision to permanently close the shopping centre constituted a significant loss due to repudiatory conduct.

Mirvac’s Decision and Future Plans

Mirvac, a prominent player in Australian real estate with a portfolio exceeding $11.9 billion, announced the permanent closure of Toombul Shopping Centre on 9 June 2022.

CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz cited extensive damage to crucial infrastructure such as electricity, fire, and escalators, along with the risk of future flooding, as reasons behind the decision.

Kmart asserts that Mirvac’s decision to close Toombul Shopping Centre represented an unequivocal intention not to fulfil its lease obligations, including using insurance funds to rebuild the centre. To date, no defence has been filed against Kmart’s claims, and a hearing date has not been scheduled.

Future Developments: Toombul’s Transformation

Mirvac’s acquisition of the 9.9-hectare Toombul Centre in 2016 marked a significant investment. On 18 July 2023, Brisbane City Council approved Mirvac’s application to demolish the former shopping centre, including buildings, car parks, and shade sails.

Post-demolition, Mirvac plans to create a temporary park in the southeast corner of the site and will fence it off until approvals for the new development, still in the design phase, are obtained. The approved plans include retaining the Toombul bus interchange and associated roads.

Kmart’s Financial Performance

Despite the legal battle surrounding Toombul Shopping Centre, Kmart performs well. In the 2022-2023 financial year, Kmart posted $8.3 billion in sales, representing a remarkable 22 per cent increase, while earnings at the Kmart Group, including Target, surged by 53 per cent.

Furthermore, in August, Wesfarmers reported that Kmart’s sales growth remained strong at the beginning of the 2024 financial year.

Published 24-Dec-2023

Temporary Mobile Phone Base Station at Toombul Shopping Centre

Photo Credit: Pixabay / Life-of-Pix

Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus have jointly established a Temporary Mobile Phone Base Station within Toombul Shopping Centre’s car park. The telecommunication tower, situated near the former Coles click-and-collect area, aims to address the need to ensure effective mobile network coverage in the area.

The temporary station stands tall at 30 meters, equipped with antennas, ancillary tools, and cabinets on an elevated platform. Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus have indicated that this provisional infrastructure will operate until August 2024.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / Development i A006248810

Mirvac, overseeing the site’s transformation, submitted plans for the shopping centre’s demolition in April 2023. The move follows the impact of the Brisbane floods in February 2022, which mandated the relocation of existing telecommunication facilities before demolition could commence.

According to SAQ Consulting, the installation of this temporary base station adheres to the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code C564:2020. It ensures continuous mobile phone coverage and network capacity for Nundah and its surrounding areas following the decommissioning of existing rooftop facilities.

Mirvac is committed to shaping the future of the site. Plans for the area’s redevelopment, including retail spaces, are in progress. However, specifics regarding the return of major retailers or the exact size of the shopping area remain undisclosed.

Updates on the demolition plans will be provided as they progress. Advance notice of work commencement and ongoing updates will be communicated as needed. For direct email updates on the demolition program, register online at toombulrenewal.com/register.

Published 14-December-2023

Toombul Shopping Centre Demolition Approved, Mirvac Commits to Future Retail in Redevelopment Plan

The flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre has been given the green light for demolition, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for the shopping centre in Brisbane’s north.

The demolition process is expected to be a meticulous one, as the derelict structure will be taken down piece by piece rather than through a single blow. The decision comes after the site was left uninhabitable due to extensive flooding in February 2022, leaving lower levels submerged in water, causing severe damage and mould growth.

Mirvac’s development application to demolish all structures on the site was submitted in April 2023, and the Council’s approval on 19th July 2023 now paves the way for the commencement of demolition later this year. The company has not yet disclosed the exact start and completion dates for the demolition.

“We expect demolition to commence later in the year once the considerations noted above have been resolved. We will advise the community when we have a start date. The demolition program is estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete depending on progress and weather conditions,” the company said in a statement.

Before the demolition begins, Mirvac must address several considerations, including the relocation of existing telecommunications towers and coordination with service providers like AirTrain to ensure the safety and efficiency of the demolition work near their infrastructure.

The task presents various complexities and environmental concerns due to the proximity of the creek corridor and residential areas. Mirvac assures the community that they will implement extensive measures to mitigate potential noise, dust, vibration, and traffic impacts.

Toombul’s community will be kept informed throughout the process, with a commitment from Mirvac to minimize impacts on residents and maintain access to nearby roads, bikeways, footpaths, the Kedron Brook bikeway, and the Toombul bus interchange.

What North Brisbane Locals Want

In January 2023, the company had previously sought input from thousands of locals about their preferences for the site’s redevelopment.

“We’re pleased to let you know we received almost 10,000 pieces of incredible feedback that have been carefully considered and will help inform our continued planning for the future of Toombul, along with planning outcomes and commercial considerations,” Mirvac stated.

The company has taken note of three important points from the community:

Shoppers are missing convenient local retail and services.
They want to see retail return to the site as a priority.
The community expects the site to have improved resilience to local flooding.

Respondents also indicated a desire for retail spaces, public green areas, and essential services, such as healthcare. Mirvac has confirmed that these elements will be included in the redesign, along with improved flood mitigation measures.

Mirvac’s vision for the site includes a focus on retail in any future plans. However, specific details, such as the inclusion of a supermarket, theatre, or major retailer, have not been ironed out. Concept plans and a master plan are expected to be made available for community review by the end of 2023.

As the demolition planning progresses, Mirvac pledges to keep the community informed with ongoing updates and provides an option for residents to receive direct email updates about the future demolition program by registering online.

The redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre holds the promise of revitalizing the area and providing much-needed retail amenities for the local community. With cautious and diligent planning, Mirvac aims to turn the flood-ravaged site into a vibrant and thriving hub once again.

Follow updates about the redevelopment via the Toombul Renewal official site.

Published 20-July-2023

Toombul Shopping Centre Update: Mirvac Lodges Plans for Demolition

Mirvac will soon proceed with pulling down the Toombul Shopping Centre more than a year after it was shut down due to severe flooding damage.

In a statement on the Toombul Renewal site, Mirvac announced that it has lodged the development application (DA A006248810) for the demolition. The developer expects the demolition to take place in late 2023 and will span 12 months to complete.

“We will provide updates as our DA progresses, including a demolition start date,” the company announced. “Residents will receive advance notice of the start of works, and ongoing updates thereafter. If you would like to receive direct updates by email about the future demolition program, please register online at toombulrenewal.com/register

Mirvac also said that future plans for the site have yet to be finalised and a masterplan will be out for review by the community at the end of the year. However, speculations point to a possible mixed-use site with a residential precinct.

The company bought Toombul Shopping Centre in 2016 for $223 million and adopted a $35-million upgrade in 2019. The February 2022 flooding, however, brought down the site’s value to $90 million because of the extent of the damage. In May 2022, the company said that the building was beyond repair.

“The Council Planning team will be working closely with Mirvac to assess this application and provide a prompt response. This will allow Mirvac to commence demolition activities as quickly as possible to support renewal of the Toombul site,” Cr Adam Allan, the Council’s City Planning chair said.

Meanwhile, the bus interchange and park and ride will remain open during the demolition, but with safety measures in place.

Published 13-April-2023

Mirvac Reveals Outcomes of Community Consultation for Its Toombul Renewal Plans

Photo credit: Facebook / Leanne Linard MP

Locals do not want to see Toombul dominated by high-density residential development, nor do they want a much larger retail centre at the site, the outcomes of the Mirvac Toombul Renewal community consultation revealed.

In November 2022, Mirvac sought feedback from the community on what they would like to see for the future of the Toombul site. Members of the community were invited to participate in an online survey or at one of the four drop-in sessions held in Nundah, Wavell Heights and Clayfield.

The engagement program aims to identify the community’s needs and ensure that they remain informed on any updates or redevelopment plans for the Toombul site following the closure of the centre in 2022 due to flood damage.

The outcomes of this community consultation, along with planning outcomes and commercial considerations will inform decisions about the future of the Toombul site.

Highlights of the Toombul Renewal community consultations include:

96 per cent of stakeholders who participated in the online consultation identified as former Toombul customers
More than 85 per cent of respondents were from local postcodes
88 per cent of respondents said they visited Toombul once a week or mor

Meanwhile, the community wants a mix of retail and services, flood resilience and mitigation, a mix of dining and entertainment options, enhanced open green and recreation space, and improved connections to public and active transport.

“The community want to see retail return, with loyalty to the former Toombul, while many are open to change and other complementary uses to extend community benefit at the site, including well-considered mixed-use.” Mirvac

Leanne Linard MP in a social media post said that “the results showed what we locals already know: we loved Toombul, and we want to see a mix of retail, services and green space back on-site.”

“We also want to know what’s next, and when.

“The key issues I raised on behalf of our community were the need for Mirvac to deliver ongoing communication of their forward plan, and the safety of local nearby residents when demolition commences.

“Next month will be one year since the loss of Toombul. We will continue to ensure our communities voice is represented in future decisions for the site.

Published 10-February-2023

Toombul Shopping Centre Redevelopment a Possibility, Community Will Have a Say

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Once plans are ready, community drop-in sessions will be held to provide opportunities for locals to have their say on plans for the redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre. This was Mirvac’s commitment after discussing the possibility of rebuilding the flood-damaged northside shopping precinct with local representatives.

Mirvac expects to come out with the redevelopment plans in the second half of 2023 but a concrete timeline has not been outlined just yet, according to MP Leanne Linnard who met with the company’s executives alongside MP Anika Wells in mid-October 2022.

“Mirvac has confirmed … their commitment to retail, green-space, and ongoing access to public transport in any rebuild,” Ms Linnard shared.

“We have also been advised that there will also be opportunities to attend drop-in sessions to provide your direct feedback on what you would like to see at the site.”

A spokesperson from Mirvac also confirmed that they will come up with a community consultation program and keep the public up to date, beginning with the shopping centre’s demolition to prepare for the rebuilding.

Northsiders have been asking Mirvac to reopen Toombul Shopping Centre following the February floods, especially with the approaching holiday season.

However, the damage from the floodwaters has resulted in moulds all over the building. According to reports, Mirvac has begun stripping these moulds, a process which is expected to go on for weeks.

Meanwhile, PRAX Studio has come up with its own masterplan for Toombul Shopping Centre. The company said they are a “stakeholder in the future of Toombul” and thus wanted to engage the developer, Mirvac, by sharing their ideas about the future of the precinct.

“Our masterplan vision for Toombul prioritises the community’s needs and desires while taking maximum advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an open, green and accessible community heart for the enjoyment of future generations,” Prax Studio said.

“By advocating for the community and articulating a vision in which their views a better represented, our vision will contribute to achieving a development outcome that will be an enduring piece of public architecture befitting this wonderful site.”