I joined the Lewis Land Group of companies as General Manager Shopping Centre Development, bringing to the Sydney based property company a vision for the development of a shopping centre around a totally new retail concept. In that capacity was responsible for the design, planning & development, leasing, marketing and project coordination for the project.
The vision that took shape in the form of Harbour Town, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, was a complete departure from the traditional multi-level inwardly focused air-conditioned retail shopping centres.
The concept was for a single level, extensively themed complex comprising defined precincts incorporating entertainment, convenience and the new global retail phenomenon of brand direct or outlet shopping.
I believed that by re-introducing a sense of fun and discovery into shopping such as people remembered neighborhood “street” shopping of a bygone era, large shopping centres would win back the interest of the customers. Now in its 10th year of trading, Harbour town has managed to do just that.
Besides winning prestigious awards for its unique concept, Harbour Town has lodged plans for extension to the centre with the relevant authorities. The company has also established other Harbour Town style developments in Adelaide and Perth.
