The grand opening of the cornerstone of the Lewis Land Group’s $500million Sovereign Hills master planned community will be held this Saturday.

The $20million first stage of the Sovereign Place Town Centre represents a 15-year vision to create a vibrant new shopping precinct at the heart of the Sovereign Hills community – and it’s officially open for business.

The community is invited to experience the 5,200sqm convenience-based offering with unique full-line IGA supermarket with liquor and hardware offering, cafes and specialty stores and Your Discount Chemist (opening soon), and to enjoy the signature open-air retail environment LLG has become renowned for.“We believe we have created one of the best shopping experiences for a regional shopping centre in country New South Wales,” LLG Head of Development Michael Long explained.

“This sensory shopping experience is fundamental to the way LLG develops its retail and hospitality projects, and we are proud to be sharing this vibrant centre with our community and the wider Hastings region.”

The town centre opening will also be an opportunity to thank the Rural Fire Service who put their own lives on hold to protect the Port Macquarie community.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Rural Fire Service for keeping our community safe during the unprecedented bush fire event,” LLG’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Calvert said. “We will be offering our thanks to our local fire-fighting heroes during the day. Please join us and show your support.”

Experience the new Sovereign Place Town Centre on Chancellors Drive this Saturday from 8am and enjoy free fun for the whole family including Billabong Zoo reptile display, free kids’ activities, jumping castles, great giveaways plus more.

The architecturally-designed Sovereign Place capitalises on the centre’s setting midway between Port Macquarie’s coastline and hinterland to the west, inviting the outdoors in.

“The Sovereign Place Town Centre has been designed to make the most of Port Macquarie’s idyllic climate and coast-meets-country vibe, delivering an environment which is quintessentially Australian,” added Mr Long.

The impressive building features locally-sourced timber arbours, natural sandstone, lush landscaping and recycled brick paving.

Sustainability has been a key consideration with roof-mounted solar panels, reclaimed water usage and two electric car charging stations all aimed at reducing the centre’s energy footprint and operating costs.

With its polished surrounds and smart black and timber accents, the Hastings Co-op has delivered on its promise to create a visionary IGA supermarket.

“There are all the elements that people love about IGA supermarkets, such as excellent service and hundreds of local products and produce. But we’ve also got a free crèche, full fresh market, artisan bakery range, gourmet deli, dried meat room, old-style in-house butchers, a peanut making machine, a technology hub and in-store Home Hardware and IGA Liquor,” revealed Hastings Co-op Chief Executive Officer Allan Gordon.

“Just outside the store, we also have a juice bar that will utilise fresh produce from the IGA.”

Customers will be able to sample specialty coffee and cuisine from The Hill, delicious burgers and more from Brooklyn’s Burger Bar Espresso and purchase homewares, fashion and gifts from Triple Two.

Hastings’ success story Your Discount Chemist will open in the centre in January, while the home of TripleM and HitFM, Southern Cross Austereo, will relocate its regional media centre in April.

“We have been extremely mindful of supporting local business during the construction phase,” Mr Long added. “Sovereign Place was constructed by Port Macquarie-based Commercial Project Group and this innovative building will allow local businesses to shine. Up to 150 permanent and casual positions have already been created and we are heavily invested in ensuring the town centre precinct thrives.”

For more information visit www.sovereignhills.com.au/town-centre