Kallangur residents are reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Space City, a now-demolished dome-shaped shopping centre once located along Anzac Avenue.
A Milestone for a Lost Landmark
Kallangur locals are marking 50 years since the opening of Space City, a former shopping centre once known for its futuristic domes and unconventional construction. Built in 1978 on Anzac Avenue, the centre housed around 30 retail shops inside seven intersecting domes made using Binishell technology. It was the first commercial application of this method in Australia.
Binishell Innovation in Kallangur
The Binishells were created by pouring concrete over inflated balloons, forming large domes with curved concrete shells. Italian architect Dr Dante Bini developed the method in the 1960s, which was later used internationally for schools, homes, and industrial buildings. The construction of the Kallangur domes reportedly took only three hours and was witnessed by nearby school students and community members.
The design aimed to reduce costs and build times while showcasing architectural innovation. At the time, Space City featured automatic doors and retail staff dressed in space-themed costumes. Tenants included department store Barry and Roberts, fashion retailers, a butcher, and a cake shop. It was also used as a filming location for the 1986 movie “Australian Dream.”
Closure and Demolition
Despite early public interest, Space City struggled to remain financially viable due to increasing competition from other shopping centres. After a short attempt to repurpose it as a market, the centre permanently closed on 31 December 1985. Over time, the domes became dilapidated and were targeted by vandals before being demolished.
Only two of the five known Binishell structures constructed in Australia remain. Today, the Kallangur site is occupied by Kallangur Fair, which opened in 1993. The centre changed ownership in 2021, selling for $22 million to a Sydney-based investment group.
Community Reflections
Residents have shared memories of visiting or watching the domes being built, with some expressing disappointment that the structure was not repurposed. Others have recalled promotional activities and the novelty of the design, including space-themed staff and unusual architectural features. These recollections have resurfaced online in the lead-up to the 50-year milestone.
Continuing Influence of the Binishell
While the original Kallangur structures no longer exist, the Binishell concept remains active. Nicoló Bini, the architect’s son, has relaunched the technology as a sustainable building method. In 2015, a new prototype was constructed in Malibu for actor Robert Downey Jr.
The Kallangur site remains significant as a local reference point for architectural experimentation during a time of suburban expansion north of Brisbane.
Published 31-May-2025
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