Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre

Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, is a multi-level, fully enclosed shopping centre that opened to the public on 3rd September 1985.

On the evening on September 2nd, Queensland premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Peterson officially opened the centre at an invitation-only event with 300 attendees. At this time speeches indicated Redbank Plaza was expected to service 164,000 people in the surrounding area.

The design of the building was considered modern and accessible at the time, with travelators promoted as a consideration for those with mobility issues, young children or heavy shopping. The 2000 car parks and air-conditioning were similarly promoted as conveniences.

On opening, the shopping centre had 109 tenancies including, retail and food shopping, banks, health services and a public library. An estimated 80% of these tenancies had already been secured 2 years prior to the opening.

At $56 million, the sale of the property from the builders of Redbank Plaza; Jennings Industries Ltd. and Australian Guarantee Corporation,  to SGIO set a record for the largest agent-negotiated sale in Queensland at the time.

Opening day saw around 20,000 visitors to the centre, with 17,000 promotional sample bags given out by staff before 2pm. There were a number of promotions and prizes advertised for opening celebration including a new Holden Drover 4WD, a weekend for two in Toowoomba and $2000 in vouchers to Amies the Family Jewellers.

In 1988 major retailers included KMart, Errol Stewarts, Fosseys, and Venture plus over 100 specialty stores. The centre exceeded turnover expectations in the first few years and was a very popular shopping destination. 

In the 21st century, on three levels, Redbank Plaza is home to over 80 specialty stores together with Kmart, Big W, Coles, ALDI, Best & Less, eateries, library and Cineplex picture theatre.