The once-dilapidated site on Payneham Road is now an $11 million home furnishings complex home to four major retailers.
“We settled on the property in 2017, and always had the vision that we could turn this space into a great place. It was an opportunity to reimagine the complex into something more fresh and functional,” Justin Dangerfield, Head of Property Management, says.
The former Schweppes factory, which had been a landmark in Payneham, ceased operations in 2016 and subsequently fell into disrepair. By 2019, the factory had been demolished, leaving behind an empty and graffiti-covered industrial site that served as a constant reminder of its once-vibrant past.
After securing planning approval on its third attempt, developer Antunes Group set out to create a thriving retail hub in the heart of Payneham. Last year, construction commenced on the expansive 1.19-hectare site and has just been completed.
The result is an impressive retail complex that now houses four major home furnishings retailers including Nick Scali, Plush Think Sofas, Forty Winks and Koala Living – which is making its debut in South Australia with its first-ever Adelaide store.
Koala Living’s journey began in 2007 when it opened its first store in Richmond. Driven by the demand for its diverse range of furniture and home accessories with a Scandinavian twist, the brand rapidly expanded, establishing numerous stores across Victoria. With a vision of further national expansion, Koala Living has now added Adelaide to its list of locations.
The new Forty Winks store brings the total number of bricks-and-mortar outlets in Adelaide up to six, Nick Scali up to five and Plush Think Sofas to four.
All the the brands within the home furnishings hub are proudly Australian. Nick Scali Furniture was founded over 60 years ago and has grown to become one of Australia’s largest retailers and importers of quality furniture, Forty Winks is an Australian owned and operated leading bedding specialist, and Plush Think Sofas has 21 years experience being Australia’s sofa specialists.
The new furniture retail complex not only revitalises the former industrial site but also brings a diverse range of furniture options to the residents of Adelaide. From timeless classics to modern designs, the stores within the complex offer a wide array of choices to suit various tastes and preferences.
“The large scale service and retail centre on Payneham Road now meets consumer demand in the area. Shoppers can now enjoy the convenience of an inner north-east centre without the need to travel to Gepps Cross or Mile End,” Dangerfield says.
“The retailers we have secured create an exciting home furnishings hub and the quality brands will no doubt appeal to all home-enthusiasts.”
As the first of its kind in that area, the complex is expected to attract furniture enthusiasts and shoppers from both the area and surrounds.
Where: 382 Payneham Rd, Payneham SA 5070
Open: Hours vary depending on store (roughly 9am – 5pm throughout the week)
