A major new shopping centre boasting a discount department store, a new supermarket, three mini majors, 45 shops and a fresh food market has been unveiled by nationally integrated developer-builder Oreana for Townsville’s leading masterplanned community of North Shore.

Spanning 65,000 square metres (sqm), with 17,000 sqm of NLA, the plans for the significant retail precinct on Market Street and the future Nexus Drive connection were submitted to Townsville City Council for assessment this week.

Oreana has confirmed early retail interest, with a full-line supermarket and leading discount department store among retailers under negotiation.

The proposed development will also deliver critical infrastructure including Nexus Drive, unlocking future expansion of the precinct to include housing and additional commercial and community uses.

Oreana Managing Director Tony Sass said, if approved, the shopping centre would be a game-changer for North Shore and one of the most significant retail developments Townsville has seen in years.

“This isn’t just another neighbourhood shopping centre – this is a major retail precinct that will serve as the commercial heart of one of Townsville’s fastest-growing communities,” he said.

“With a full-line supermarket, discount department store, three mini majors, 45 specialty stores and a fresh food market, we’re delivering the kind of retail scale and diversity that transforms how a community functions.

“Beyond retail, the development of Nexus Drive is a critical piece of infrastructure that will unlock the precinct’s future potential. This enables us to deliver a mixed-use hub with the capacity to grow into housing, hotels and community facilities as North Shore continues its expansion.

“This is a major investment in Townsville’s future, and we’re proud to be delivering infrastructure that will serve this community for decades to come.”

North Shore already has an established shopping precinct, but with Oreana significantly scaling up land supply in the coming years, the proposed new retail centre – along with major new infrastructure – is being prioritised to support new residents from day one.

Oreana will significantly accelerate residential lot production and sales at North Shore, with the aim to increase the number of lots delivered from 70 to more than 200 a year.

The company will also launch a new display village in mid to late 2026, further supporting housing supply and Townsville’s broader growth.

“We have a clear vision for North Shore, and that includes accelerating housing delivery alongside the infrastructure residents need, such as roads, parklands and retail,” Mr Sass said.

“This shopping centre is a critical piece of that vision. We’re not waiting for the community to be fully built out before delivering essential services. We’re planning ahead and building infrastructure in step with growth, so residents have what they need from day one.

“That’s the Oreana difference – we control the timing, the quality and the delivery, and we’re committed to creating a community that truly stands apart in Townsville.”

Spanning over 900 hectares, North Shore will feature approximately 5,600 homes, a large town centre, three state and private schools, extensive parkland, childcare and much more when completed.

To date approximately 2,600 lots have been delivered along with three schools and key retail outlets including Bunnings, Woolworths, Aldi, North Shore Tavern and services including a medical centre, service stations, gyms, a church, childcare centres and public swimming pool.