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Freshwater Village Construction To Begin In Griffin

Work on the Freshwater Village shopping centre in Griffin is about to commence, with a builder appointed to deliver the large-scale retail and community precinct.

Background And Planning History

The Freshwater Village development at Brays Road and Arcadia Drive in Griffin has progressed through several stages of approval. Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the original application in November 2017, followed by a change approval in December 2020. The project is being delivered by Wattle Run.

Freshwater Village Griffin — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Builder Appointment And Construction Timeline

On 18 September 2025, Wattle Run confirmed Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders as the contractor for the development after a tender process. Tomkins will establish a site office in October before building work begins. Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with the opening scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027.

shopping centre — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Retail And Service Mix

The centre will be anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket and BWS liquor store. Confirmed tenants include a newsagent, barber, nail salon, bakery, medical centre, dental clinic, and physiotherapy services. Dining outlets will feature Japanese, Indian, and Korean restaurants, along with a dessert venue.

Layout And Facilities

Freshwater Village will cover 17,870 square metres, divided into retail, health, and commercial zones. Features include landscaped boundaries, external footpaths, cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and a future bus stop.

Parking numbers differ between sources: one states 264 spaces, while another cites 335 spaces. Both confirm 64 bike spaces will be available.

Woolworths Griffin — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Staging Of Development

The build will be delivered in phases. Stage one will bring the supermarket and most retail outlets. Later stages will expand food and beverage options and health services.

Community Vision

The development is intended to combine convenience with open spaces. Plans include nearby housing, parkland, and an urban farm section, alongside family-friendly cafes and shops. The vision aims to provide essential services within walking distance for residents.

Next Steps

Tomkins will begin site preparations in October, with updates to be issued through the Freshwater Hub newsletter and social media as construction progresses.

Published 20-Sep-2025

Griffin’s Bray Farm Park: A Harry Potter-Inspired Escape While You Wait for the ‘Forbidden Forest’

Potterheads in Brisbane are in for a magical time, with the much-anticipated Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience soon casting its spell over the city. Excitement is brewing like a fresh batch of Polyjuice Potion, as fans can now purchase tickets to be among the first to step into the enchanting world of the Forbidden Forest.

Read: Griffin Residents Set to Benefit from Road Safety Upgrades

However, if you feel as impatient as Ron Weasley before a Hogwarts feast, fear not! Brisbane offers several other spellbinding experiences, including a visit to Bray Farm Park in Griffin, to keep you immersed in the Wizarding World until the Forbidden Forest officially opens.

Step into Brisbane’s Own Wizarding Playground

For a touch of magic in the meantime, Bray Farm Park is a must-visit. This whimsical playground is often dubbed “Brisbane’s Harry Potter Park” due to its enchanting design that evokes the charm of the Burrow—the beloved Weasley family home.

Set against a backdrop of bushland, the park features two main structures reminiscent of the Burrow, complete with a bridge, climbing net, fireman’s pole, slide, turrets, and windows.

Adding to the magical feel are large pumpkin and tomato sculptures, wooden cubby houses, and a swinging bridge, making it the perfect spot for young witches and wizards to let their imaginations soar.

Beyond its wizarding aesthetics, Bray Farm Park offers practical amenities, including climbing nets, bench seating, slides, rubbish bins, and a concrete path for bikes and scooters. Whether you’re a young aspiring Hogwarts student or a nostalgic fan, this park provides a wonderful way to revel in the magic of Harry Potter while waiting for the Forbidden Forest experience to open its gates.

Read: Bunya Park Sanctuary in Eatons Hill: A Lost Wildlife Haven

With Brisbane embracing the magic of Harry Potter, now’s the perfect time for fans to relive the wonder, whether through themed experiences or simply exploring the city’s own enchanted corners. So grab your wand and let the adventure begin!

Published 4-April-2025

Griffin Residents Set to Benefit from Road Safety Upgrades

Construction has begun in Griffin on critical upgrades to Brays Road and the new Arcadia Drive, a project designed to improve traffic flow and safety for the rapidly growing community.

Wattle Run Developments Pty Ltd, the project developer, has confirmed that Hall Contracting Pty Ltd is spearheading the construction, which began in late December 2024. The upgrades include expanding a section of Brays Road to four lanes, adding a signalised intersection near the Freshwater Hub, and building Arcadia Drive to connect Brays Road with Wesley Road. These enhancements aim to streamline access to the Freshwater Village shopping centre and improve traffic near Griffin State School.

The project will also feature safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including wider pathways, dedicated cycle lanes where feasible, and safer crossings. Two new bus stops, one in each direction, will also be installed to provide convenient access to local amenities.

Timeline and Community Impact

Construction is expected to take 12 to 18 months, with ongoing traffic management in place to minimise disruptions. Wattle Run Developments has urged residents to stay informed through the Freshwater Hub newsletter and social media channels, helping locals plan their commutes around changing traffic conditions.

Jenny Fisher, Director of Wattle Run Developments, stated that the project represents years of planning and collaboration with the City of Moreton Bay Council. She expressed optimism about the benefits the infrastructure will bring to Griffin residents and emphasised the importance of community engagement throughout the project.

Economic Benefits and Local Jobs

The upgrades, fully funded by Wattle Run Developments, are expected to create approximately 30 local jobs over the course of construction. Hall Contracting Pty Ltd, recognised for its expertise in civil works, is preparing to expand its presence in Griffin, marking the company’s first collaboration with Wattle Run.

Cameron Hall, CEO of Hall Contracting, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that support local growth and meet the needs of residents. Hall added that the upgrades to Brays Road and Arcadia Drive will provide safer, more efficient transport options for Griffin’s growing population.

Staying Connected

Community members are encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress and traffic changes. Wattle Run Developments has committed to regular communication to ensure the construction process remains as seamless as possible for residents and road users.

Further details about the project and updates are available on the Freshwater Hub website.

Published 9-January-2025