Port Stephens Homemaker Centre

The new Harvey Norman-owned Port Stephens Homemaker Centre opened in late March with a huge Harvey Norman store, Spotlight, Autobarn, PETstock, Weber, and Sydney Tools among the new tenants serving the local community.

There are ten new stores in all with an on-site café, with the centre estimated to represent an $80 million investment in the local economy. It has already provided a major boost, creating hundreds of retail construction jobs and encouraging investment in the area. Through construction, there were over 1,000 jobs created, with Mainbrace focusing on engaging local trades and suppliers throughout the program.

Mainbrace’s role on the project was to construct and deliver the building and external works and the company successfully handed over the centre – the first of its kind in the Port Stephens LGA – after a 73-week program led by Project Manager Ben Glastonbury. The fantastic community outcome is a testament to the team.

The centre is on a 10.22-hectare site at Taylors Beach however the grand opening celebration drew people from across the Port Stephens area.

According to CBRE, a total of 16,211 vehicles entered the car park during the opening week. Mainbrace team members were on hand to celebrate the Grand Opening Day activation which featured retailer collaboration events, an official Welcome to Country with a Worimi elder, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Ryan Palmer, pop-up food trucks, Bluey and Bingo Meet and Greet, go-karts, radio outside broadcasts, musical performances, giveaways and roving entertainment for kids.

Port Stephens Homemaker Centre has quickly become an important and popular local and regional destination and is another high-quality addition to the Mainbrace award-winning builder retail portfolio.