Town centres: the heartbeat of thriving communities

What makes a community truly liveable? For residents at our masterplanned communities, it’s often the convenience of having essential amenities right at their doorstep. Our town centres serve as the vibrant core of these new communities, weaving together daily conveniences, public spaces, and places for connection. For retailers, these hubs represent a unique opportunity to engage with customers in spaces designed to enhance liveability and foster community spirit. 

Stockland’s Liveability Index⁴ highlights the importance of amenities in creating thriving communities. Access to amenity and services is the second most important driver of liveability, contributing 30% to the overall score⁴. Moreover, access to retail encourages residents to recommend their community, directly driving business value. For both residents and retailers, town centres are integral to fostering connection, convenience, and economic growth.

Building communities from the ground up

Town centres are more than just shopping destinations; they are purpose-built hubs that enrich lives. “A thriving new community is built on more than just a great masterplan; it requires the right infrastructure,” says Adam Renai, Head of Town Centre Development & Community Real Estate. These centres combine essential services, retail, and welcoming public spaces, creating ecosystems where people thrive.

Stockland is actively delivering new town centres within its masterplanned communities, ensuring that essential amenities are available for its residents. At The Gables in north-west Sydney, Sienna Wood in Perth, and Providence in South East Queensland’s Ripley Valley, town centres are currently under construction. Each will be anchored by a leading supermarket and childcare centre, complemented by specialty retailers curated to meet the needs of the community.

Stockland Sienna Wood, for example, is set to play a key role in the growing Hilbert community, located 34km from Perth’s CBD. The town centre will feature a Woolworths supermarket, childcare facilities, and dining options, with plans to co-locate it near a proposed primary school. By integrating these amenities close to home, Stockland reduces the need for long commutes, enhancing convenience and saving time for residents.

A resilient retail model

Town centres have proven themselves as resilient and essential investments. Anchored by a leading supermarket and other non-discretionary retail and services like fresh food, healthcare, and pharmacies, they maintain a steady flow of visitors. “Town centres thrive because they’re integral to everyday routines,” Adam explains. “They’re where families attend a doctor’s appointment, stop for coffee, or pick up groceries on their way home.”

JLL’s "Essential Retail: Resilience in a Changing Landscape"³ report underscores the stability of retail hubs focusing on essential services. These centres adapt to changing consumer behaviours, such as the rise of click-and-collect, and serve as fulfilment hubs that meet modern lifestyle demands. By evolving with consumer needs, they ensure long-term value for both tenants and investors.

Built for a sustainable future

Sustainability is at the heart of Stockland’s town centres. Each development is designed to reduce environmental impact while improving residents’ quality of life. Solar panels, green concrete, and all-electric designs are just some of the initiatives driving positive change.

“Sustainability is embedded in our masterplans from the start,” Adam says. “From civil infrastructure to construction materials, we align our projects with ambitious carbon reduction goals.” These efforts resonate with consumers and tenants, reflecting a shared commitment to a greener future.

What sets Stockland apart

Stockland’s unique ability to masterplan entire communities ensures that each town centre becomes a cherished local landmark. “Our masterplanned communities are designed with a 10–20-year vision,” Adam says. “This lets us co-locate town centres with schools, childcare centres, gyms, allied health services, and public spaces, creating seamless ecosystems for residents and retailers.”

By understanding residents’ needs and designing vibrant retail precincts, Stockland creates town centres that stand out—enriching lives and delivering value to businesses.

Investing in communities

For Stockland, town centres are about more than retail. They’re about improving lives. “Investing in retail not only provides what customers need but also enhances the neighbourhood, making it a better place to live,” Adam says.

Combining essential services, local job opportunities, and sustainable designs, these centres are vibrant, resilient hubs that enrich Australian suburbs.

Are you a retailer looking to be part of this journey? Get in touch with us today and discover how our town centres are shaping the future of Australian communities.

1 Sterling Property, "Shop Local: Why Neighbourhood Shopping Centres Are a Sound Investment," 2023.

2 Shopping Centre News, "The Resilience of Neighbourhood Centres," 2023.

3 JLL Australia, "Essential Retail: Resilience in a Changing Landscape," 2023.

4 Green Building Council of Australia, "Sustainability Trends in Retail Developments," 2023.

5 “Stockland Residential Liveability Index,” 2024.

6 “Stockland CX Monitor,” 2024.