Gold Coast developer Tim Gordon and billionaire pub baron Bruce Mathieson have revealed plans for an $800 million mixed-use precinct at Springfield, southwest of Brisbane, marking a major expansion of their partnership beyond the Gold Coast.
The 12.7-hectare super lot was secured just three months ago for $50 million, representing one of only two town-centre zoned sites in Australia’s sole privately developed city. The site sits within the rapidly growing corridor west of Brisbane, where residential and commercial demand continues to rise.
Integrated Precinct Vision
The masterplan includes a boutique hotel, mid-rise apartments, and a sports club with multiple bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Gordon, head of Gordon Corp, emphasized that the vision aligns with Springfield City Group’s goals.
“The scale of the opportunity here, and the speed at which major retailers have committed to each precinct has been unprecedented and demonstrates the pent-up demand for this catchment,” Gordon said.
Civil works are already underway on Springfield Village, a 10,581-square-metre retail and lifestyle hub anchored by a Coles supermarket.
“If you tried this project 10 years ago, it wouldn’t have stacked up,” he said. “Springfield is not only growing but maturing in a very deliberate and sustainable way.”
Retail Demand and Infrastructure
The development benefits from existing infrastructure, including 55,000 residents, 12 schools, 22 childcare centres, a University of Southern Queensland campus, and a public hospital. Springfield City Group founder Maha Sinnathamby highlighted projections showing the catchment area expanding to over 250,000 residents by 2036, with annual large-format retail expenditure expected to exceed $1.8 billion.
As previously reported by The Urban Developer, the acquisition of the site represented the largest town-centre land transaction by value recorded in Queensland in recent years, and the largest completed more than 10km from an Australian CBD since 2021. The divestment by Springfield City Group followed a competitive national expressions-of-interest campaign managed by Colliers and Stonebridge that generated more than 200 inquiries and nine formal bids.
Partnership Expansion
The Springfield project builds on Gordon Corp’s existing partnership with the Mathieson family, forged over a beer at the Mermaid Beach Surf Club. That alliance is also behind the $400 million Mantaray Marina and Residences on the Gold Coast’s Spit, as well as the luxury Elle on Jefferson tower at Palm Beach.
The full masterplan includes three apartment buildings delivering 200 homes, with Springfield Village construction beginning in early 2027 and the retail precinct following mid-year. The final stage will feature the sports club, 160-room hotel, and residential component.