The Cornerstone Project
As 3rd & 4th generation Currumbin families, it is important to us that our local environment is developed mindfully and provides for those in our community. We wanted to build something in our community for us and everyone that visits our epic location here in Currumbin / Tugun.
We appreciate great design and wanted to contribute a building of significance to the area,
whilst at the same time providing a business venture that we would actively be involved with and could retain for future generations and providing the best service we could provide with a small community vibe.
About Cornerstone
The Cornerstone Stores project commenced in 2014 after purchasing land opposite the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We decided we’d like to establish a commercial precinct that could become the a destination for our community and anyone who visits our epic part of the southern Gold Coast. When we purchased the land there was a development approval for 20 or so units which we didn’t see fit for our area. Instead, our dream was to create a be-spoke, mixed-use commercial building with great food and shopping. Utilising red bricks and concrete — a solid, low-maintenance and eco friendly building that integrated sympathetically with the surrounding landscape where small boutiques would be available to young & up-coming creatives. Having a one-stop shop with being able to have a casual drink and a bit of retail therapy. We also wanted some of our tenants to have regular classes and appointments to make sure the vibe is always having fun. This would mean that locals and holiday makers could have greater convenience and selection of thoughtfully-curated products without having to visit a massive shopping centre.
About The Architects
Brisbane based studio, Ingrid Richards & Adrian Spence, along with their associate, Jared Webb, designed our red brick & concrete building. They understood our vision from the first time we met them (besides that one crazy roof idea) and were able to interpret our dreams producing a cleverly-designed, contemporary building. The Richards & Spence concept is focused on the central courtyard which overlooks landscaped lawns and onto the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. In this way, all the boutiques become part of the landscape (including overflowing greenery from roof gardens) and enable our customers a real destination experience. Cornerstone Stores was recognised for its unique connection to landscape and contribution to the community and awarded a High Commendation in the Horbury Hunt Commercial category at the Think Brick awards in 2018.
The Cornerstone Community
The 10 Tenancies of the Cornerstone Stores have become a tight-knit team that support one another in daily operations, brain-storming ideas and generally looking out for one another. Each shop is carefully curated with regards to shop-fitting and stocking plus agreeing on the need for operating as sustainably as possible. There is a regular external community that are welcomed to Cornerstone for they add the vibe of customers feeling comfortable slowly strolling from shop to shop with babies, children & dogs all in tow. It’s possible to do all this with a coffee, wine or meal break in the beautiful & relaxing environment that is Cornerstone.