Marketplace Gungahlin is about to ‘level up’ with a $60 million expansion, including an overhead bridge and new level built above Kmart and Woolworths.

Set to bring a total of 19 new retailers to the shopping precinct, Marketplace will soon be home to the largest format Chemist Warehouse in Canberra, Aldi, a 1000sqm Asian supermarket, and 16 specialty retailers.

Marketplace’s Development Manager, Phillip Knackstedt said: “We’re so thrilled to be enriching Marketplace’s offering with a new retail mix that responds to the significant growth in the region and brings more convenience and an elevated shopping experience to Gungahlin.

“We don’t just want to exceed community needs and expectations, we also want to give reasons for people outside of Gungahlin to visit the region and drive further economic growth here too.”

The pedestrian Skywalk Bridge over Hibberton Street will be connecting the new Level 1 addition above Kmart with the South Mall (where Big W is currently located), while the inclusion of an indoor children’s playground continues “the theme of connectivity”.

“In 2017 we tackled the underground connection of the two malls when we opened the underground carpark. Now, as we level up, we’re offering even more connectivity and convenience via an overhead bridge,” says Mr Knackstedt.

“This play space will be a fantastic meeting point for family and friends where they can enjoy some time together or simply have some respite after a busy day of shopping.”

Monday 10 October will mark the first key milestone of the development as the Skywalk Bridge is set to be delivered, and Hibberson Street will be temporarily closed during its construction. While the street will be closed to vehicles, it will remain open for pedestrians as normal.

“Construction of the bridge is monumental – it’s enormous with a floor area of approximately 130 square metres and a height of approximately 4.5 metres, and requires a police escort to get to its location. It’s going to be quite the experience and a game changer for the Town Centre,” says Mr Knackstedt.

“The bridge link will provide undercover and air-conditioned access across Hibberson Street which the community has been requesting for some time.”

The expansion is set to be completed in July 2023.

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