The highly anticipated, multimillion dollar expansion of the Forest Glen Village Centre is taking shape, with all three new buildings emerging from the ground in the exciting project that is supporting local construction jobs.
Queensland construction company, Tomkins Commercial, was awarded the contract for the build in November last year, creating almost 100 local jobs during the construction phase.
Construction Manager, Barry Lehmann, said Tomkins always looked to use local subcontractors in their projects where possible.
“Supporting local contractors and suppliers is an important policy of Tomkins and we estimate approximately 85% of the subcontractor businesses employed on the Forest Glen Village Centre expansion will be based locally on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Lehmann said.
In addition to the jobs the construction phase of the project will create, materials will also be sourced locally, including over 2700m3 of concrete, 150 tonnes of reinforcement and 135 tonnes of structural steel.
“It’s exciting to see all three buildings of the expansion taking shape, with all of the precast panels now erected and propped, and aluminum frames in place,” Mr Lehmann said.
“Mechanical and electrical works are almost complete across all three buildings and we are just about ready to commence structural work for the second level of building three with the suspended slab now complete,” he said.
“Thanks to the help of our local subcontractors, we are looking good for a November 2022 completion date, so long as the Sunshine Coast weather continues to be kind,” Mr Lehmann said.
Since tenancy space was released to the public, Forest Glen Village Centre Board Chairman Tony Riddle said several businesses have secured their shop front in the new precinct.
“We know demand for local retail space is an absolute premium and we are confident all tenancy spots will be filled by the completion of the project,” Mr Riddle said.
“Sunshine Coast Council has predicted that an additional 85,000 people will call the region home over the next decade, so we know how important it is for the local community to have these additional services in the area.
“With a 200 plus car park, this is destination shopping at its most convenient and we’re proud to be creating a space that will be a one-stop-shop for families and businesses alike.”
Businesses wishing to register their interest for tenancy space at the Village can email [email protected].
