Sod turns on $92M Anaconda HQ set to redefine Large Format Retail

Spotlight Group’s latest venture in Brendale, Queensland, is set to reshape expectations of Large Format Retail.

Work has officially begun on the $92 million Anaconda Adventure HQ, with Spotlight Group executive deputy chairman Zac Fried and Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Councillor Peter Flannery turning the first sod on 16 April 2025.

Set to open mid-2026, Anaconda Adventure HQ will be the largest outdoor store in the Southern Hemisphere and a bold new benchmark in experiential retail.

“It will be the largest outdoor store we have ever built, a one-stop outdoor adventure destination putting Brendale on the national retail map,” Mr Fried said.

The development is being rolled out in two stages. Stage one will deliver 17,000 sqm of retail showroom space supported by 450 car park spots, housing a flagship Anaconda store and accommodating other national retailers like Spotlight and Harris Scarfe Home, as well as a gym and a café. Stage two will add a further 15,000 sqm, creating a mixed-use destination of significant scale.

But it’s the experience on offer – not just the size – that sets this project apart. Designed to immerse shoppers in the brand, the Anaconda Adventure HQ will feature a barramundi fishing tank, fishing simulators, a cold room for trying on ski gear, and a range of boats on display for hands-on exploration. Customers will be able to test outdoor equipment in real time.

For the Large Format Retail sector, this reflects an exciting evolution. As online retail continues to pressure physical store traffic, brands like Anaconda are responding by reimagining brick and mortar environments. The Brendale store will be more than a place to shop; it’s a destination designed to engage, educate, and entertain, and a compelling reason for families and outdoor enthusiasts to spend time in-store.

The project also brings tangible economic benefits to the area. It is expected to support 405 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during construction and generate 295 ongoing FTE roles once operational, reinforcing the important role of Large Format developments in local communities.

Mr Fried said the site sits in a prime employment precinct and will service a catchment area extending to Petrie, Carseldine, Albany Creek, and the Brisbane hinterland, some of the fastest-growing areas in the State. “This development will be a winner for locals who will enjoy more retail choice, and more jobs close to where they live,” he said.

Mayor Flannery said Brendale’s location as a gateway to the natural assets of the region made it the perfect fit for Anaconda Adventure HQ. “This project will deliver significant economic benefits for City of Moreton Bay and we are proud to work with Spotlight Group to bring an exciting new retail development to the city,” he said.

Anaconda’s investment highlights a broader industry shift towards multi-sensory, high-engagement retail environments. The project illustrates how large footprint stores can be leveraged to create rich customer experiences that differentiate from e-commerce competitors.

From an industry perspective, this is more than a single-store rollout. It’s a signal of confidence in the long-term relevance of Large Format Retail. As 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Brendale to see how this next-gen retail concept plays out on the ground and how it might shape the future of Large Format Retail in Australia.