Construction starts on Tasmania’s newest shopping centre, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse to anchor

Construction has started on northwest Tasmania’s new $60 million shopping centre, due for completion in mid-2027, which will feature a huge new Woolworths as its anchor tenant, along with a Chemist Warehouse.

Called Stony Rise Village, the new shopping precinct in Devonport will span more than 6,300 sqm and the Woolworths will be the largest supermarket in the region.

The new Chemist Warehouse also marks the national retailer’s first superstore in the northwest. The shopping village will also play host to medical services, takeaway food, and beauty services.

Bringing Stony Rise to life, L-R: Fairbrother’s Marcus Perkins, Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Tipalea’s Scott Spanton, Mayor Alison Jarman, and Felix Ellis MP. Picture: Supplied

Stony Rise Village sits on the corner of Stony Rise Road and Friend Street, next to the homemaker centre.

At its sod turning event held on Friday, mayor of Devonport, councillor Alison Jarman, said the new shopping centre will provide more than 1,200 employment opportunities.

“This new centre sends a clear message: Devonport is growing, it’s open for business, and it has confidence in its future,” Cr Jarman said.

“Developments like Stony Rise Village generate far more than retail jobs. The flow-on benefits across construction, transport, manufacturing and food services will support businesses right across the region.”

A gold plated employment winner for Tasmania’s northwest? Picture: Supplied

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Member for Braddon, Felix Ellis MP, also attended.

The firm responsible for bringing the shopping centre to life is Tipalea Partners, and its CEO Scott Spanton says leasing commitments have already hit 70%.

“It has been a journey to get to this point. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had so far from both the community, Council and State political leaders – not to mention the outstanding results from our pre-leasing campaign.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the sod-turning event. PIcture: Supplied

A shopping precinct for the future

Stony Rise Village will boast several features that developers say sets it apart from other retail hubs in the region.

Contractors Fairbrother Northern Tasmania will be responsible for the fitout of inground services.

It will feature EV charging stations, a weather station, and free WiFi, as well as wireless charging stations. There will also be parking for parents and the elderly, as well as RVs for those tripping around the Apple Isle.