The Gold Coast’s latest retail and dining precinct, Hope Island Marketplace is set to open before Christmas, following a confirmation from developers, Austin Property Development.

The $65m, two-storey, fully air-conditioned project promises to redefine the local shopping and entertainment offering, bolstering projected growth reports for the region.

“This suburb is one of the nation’s most affluent, with strong population growth forecast over the next decade so it’s only fitting the new heart of the community will be a vibrant and diverse shopping centre where getting the family groceries or seeing the family doctor can be achieved in one visit,” said Ashley Moffatt, LJ Hooker commercial real estate director of commercial and retail.

Anchored by key supermarket tenants ALDI and Woolworths, the Hope Island Marketplace will provide locals with an expansive retail offering, in addition to a variety of fast-service restaurant outlets.

“We have a majority of the 36 specialty retail spaces already under lease and being fitted out, and so many fresh and fast food outlets vying to be part of the Marketplace that there’s a truly positive vibe gaining momentum for this shopping centre,” Moffatt said.

The 10,000sqm Hope Island Marketplace houses an array of franchise outlets fresh to the area, including U.S. burger brand Carl’s Jr.’s, and a recently announced F45 studio.

Speaking within Inside Franchise Business, Carl’s Jr. master franchisor, The Bansal Group said the latest development presented a perfect opportunity to further strengthen its Gold Coast network.

“The Hope Island Marketplace represents exactly the type of complex that Carl’s Jr. looks for when scouting a location property. It’s a great family retail hub with a lot to offer both locals and people passing through,” the group said.

The Carl’s Jr. Hope Island announcement follows a strong first year of expansion for the U.S. franchise, with openings at Redbank Plains, Pimpama, West Ipswich and Eagleby.

“After a hugely successful launch in Pimpama earlier this year, we are confident the Hope Island Marketplace will be equally as well-received by the surrounding community.”

“The Bansal Group has earmarked at least another 15 restaurants for Queensland with Rothwell and Slacks Creek also expected to open before Christmas this year, and Berrinba, Townsville and Rockhampton slated for 2019.”

The Hope Island Marketplace is located on the major intersection of Broadwater Avenue and Marvyn Drive, on a site that has seen a number of proposed developments fall through in recent years.

“It is so exciting to see the Hope Island community getting the convenience, quality retail hub it’s needed for too long,” said Moffatt.

“There’s no question this shopping precinct will become the new heart of Hope Island.”