Big chains sign up for new Riverlea estate

As featured in The Advertiser.

One of South Australia's fastest-growing residential developments has secured a major supermarket for its $100m shopping plaza, as well as a new early learning centre.

On Monday, Coles and Priceline Pharmacy both announced they would move into the Palms Shopping Village at Riverlea, due to open in 2026.

The 10,000sqm retail space will house more than 25 stores and include 400 parking spaces, minimising the need for residents to make shopping trips to other suburbs.

Walker Corporation chief executive David Gallant, whose company has spearheaded development of the master planned community near Virginia, said more retailers would be announced in the coming weeks.

Additionally, building is set to begin next year on the Paisley Park Early Learning Centre, which has signed a longterm lease with the developer.

The company operates seven ELCs across the country, including one in Prospect.

Its co-founder and director Peter Raue said the new site would accommodate children aged six weeks to six years old.

“Quality early learning is vital for our communities, giving parents peace of mind when they go to work that their children are being cared for by dedicated educators and developing essential skills,” Mr Raue said.

Six hundred homes have already been built at Riverlea.

Resident and air force veteran Aaron Lock, 38, said: “I think there's been a lot of people waiting to get their first home or their forever home or even just to get into the market.”