A Proud Beginning
Toombul Shopping Centre first opened its doors on October 11, 1967. Developed in the suburb of Nundah, Brisbane, it stood as one of the city’s earliest enclosed malls. Its prime location next to Sandgate Road and close proximity to the Toombul train station made it an instant magnet for shoppers. Anchored by major stores like Target, Kmart, Coles, Aldi, and an Event Cinema, it quickly became a retail landmark for Brisbane’s northside. Over time, Toombul wasn’t just a shopping centre—it became a community hub.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Toombul Shopping Centre |
| Location | Nundah, Brisbane, QLD |
| Opened | October 11, 1967 |
| Closed | May 18, 2022 |
| Original Developer | Westfield |
| Last Owner | Mirvac |
| Major Tenants | Kmart, Coles, Target, Aldi, Event Cinemas |
| Size | Over 47,000 m² |
| Number of Stores | More than 140 |
| Cause of Closure | 2022 Brisbane Flood |
| Demolition Start | February 2024 |
| Redevelopment Plan | Mixed-use precinct |
| Current Status | Awaiting development application |
In Its Prime
In its heyday, Toombul bustled with energy. The centre housed more than 140 specialty stores and became a weekly destination for thousands. The layout was easy to navigate, and the diverse retail mix made it a one-stop shop. Whether you needed groceries, school shoes, or a movie night with friends, Toombul had it all. The food court was a social hot spot. Many locals remember meeting there before catching a movie or browsing the latest trends at boutique outlets. It was comfortable, accessible, and familiar.
Shadows of Change
As the years passed, Brisbane’s retail landscape shifted. In 1999, Westfield Chermside underwent a massive expansion. It introduced new fashion giants, global food outlets, and a more modern shopping experience. Toombul, in contrast, began to feel dated. Ownership changed hands multiple times, and despite minor refurbishments, foot traffic slowly declined. Online shopping also took its toll. Shoppers grew more selective, and centres with newer layouts and better parking gained traction. Even with the presence of popular stores, Toombul’s charm began to fade.
A New Chapter with Mirvac
In 2016, Mirvac purchased Toombul and initiated a $35 million rejuvenation plan. This included updated interiors, enhanced lighting, improved car park access, and a trendy food and entertainment precinct. It brought fresh energy back into the space. But beneath the surface, structural challenges lingered. Ageing pipes, inadequate drainage, and flood risk were concerns. Still, many locals hoped this would mark the beginning of a true comeback.
The 2022 Flood Hits
In February 2022, devastating floods swept through southeast Queensland. Toombul, built near the Kedron Brook and Schulz Canal, was severely affected. Water gushed through the basement, flooded entire corridors, and damaged electrical systems. Days later, signs of black mould appeared. Businesses were unable to open, and uncertainty hung in the air. After a detailed structural assessment, Mirvac made a difficult decision. On May 18, 2022, it formally announced the permanent closure of the shopping centre. Lease agreements were terminated, and tenants were asked to vacate.
A Slow Goodbye
The announcement struck a chord across Brisbane. Residents who grew up visiting Toombul mourned the loss. Social media filled with photos, stories, and memories of the centre’s golden years. From childhood visits to last-minute gift runs, the stories were deeply personal. In early 2024, demolition began. Cranes pulled apart walls that once echoed with laughter and foot traffic. By mid-year, more than a third of the site had been cleared. The car parks, loading docks, and even the once-iconic signage vanished. For many, watching the demolition felt like losing part of their childhood.
Complex Planning Ahead
Mirvac’s challenge didn’t end with demolition. Rebuilding the site came with major obstacles—chief among them: flood mitigation. New regulations required any future development to incorporate advanced water resilience strategies. The site’s location near multiple waterways meant rising insurance premiums and strict council approvals. Early drafts from Mirvac proposed a mixed-use precinct with public parks, retail, housing, and a new transport interchange. However, before plans could be submitted, they needed alignment with Brisbane City Council’s flood modelling.
Vision for Tomorrow
The redevelopment vision for Toombul is ambitious. Plans call for a mix of residential apartments, open public spaces, commercial offices, and street-facing retail. It would be designed to handle future flood risks—featuring raised structures, green zones that absorb water, and landscaped pedestrian paths. Mirvac has already begun initial work around the edges of the site: planting grass, improving footpaths, and installing shaded areas. This “parklet” serves as a temporary relief space while full redevelopment plans are finalized.
Community Concerns & Hopes
Despite visible progress, not all locals are convinced. Residents have voiced frustration over a lack of communication. They want answers—will there be a supermarket again? What about affordable housing? Will small local businesses get a spot in the new precinct? Public forums have included a mix of hope and skepticism. Some want a low-rise village feel with wide-open spaces. Others are concerned the site could become another overbuilt, high-density complex with minimal community benefit. There’s also strong sentiment for preserving Toombul’s legacy in some form—through plaques, artworks, or design features inspired by the original centre.
Still Waiting to Build
As of early 2025, the demolition is nearly complete, and temporary landscaping is in place. However, Mirvac has not yet lodged a formal development application. Ongoing talks with potential retail anchors, residential partners, and council agencies are underway. Factors like infrastructure upgrades, stormwater capacity, and economic forecasts are influencing the timeline. While some speculate the new Toombul could be ready by 2027, others believe it may take longer depending on funding and approvals.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Toombul Shopping Centre was never just a place to shop. It was where school kids hung out after class, where grandparents took grandkids on weekend strolls, where locals bumped into each other in line for coffee. Its halls echoed with decades of stories, laughter, and shared routines. Losing that space has left a gap that concrete and glass alone can’t replace.
But the land still holds potential. With smart planning, community input, and a nod to its past, Toombul could return—not as a replica of what it was, but as something new that still feels familiar. The coming years will tell whether the space becomes another high-rise zone or a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood core. For now, Brisbane watches and waits, remembering the past and hoping for something better.
FAQs
What was Toombul Shopping Centre known for?
- It was known for being Brisbane’s northside shopping hub—home to major retailers, a cinema, and local favourites. Many families visited it weekly.
Why did Toombul Shopping Centre permanently close?
- It closed after the 2022 floods caused major structural damage. The cost and complexity of rebuilding made reopening unviable.
Is anything being built on the old Toombul site?
- Yes, plans are in place for a flood-resilient, mixed-use precinct with housing, parks, retail, and a new transport interchange.
When is redevelopment expected to start?
- As of early 2025, demolition is complete. However, official development applications are still pending due to planning and flood modelling.
