Victoria Park Market new hot spot?

Owner Andrew Clapham at his new restaurant Tom Tom Bar and Eatery in Victoria Park Market.

Victoria Park Market is set to become the new hot-spot in Auckland with most of the 74 tenancies available leased or under contract.

The historic market was closed in 2008 and redeveloped in two stages.

Now, with stage two completed and fit-outs under way, the market is set to be the new hot-spot for hospitality and retail in Auckland.

Victoria Park Market already boasts an unrivalled strip of hospitality including the archetypal La Zeppa, The Oak Room, Libertine, Buttermilk Café, iVillage and Atico Cocina as well as the recent opening of Tom Tom Bar and Eatery.

Tom Tom owner Andrew Clapham, a seasoned operator with more than 30 establishments under his belt in New Zealand and around the world, says that moving into Victoria Park Market was a "no-brainer".

"There is a real push for hospitality in this area to develop, we want to create a new precinct that doesn't necessarily need to be on the waterfront, but is not far away," he says.

"The oldest and best location in town is now the newest and best location in town," says Clapham.

Another key operator preparing to open soon is Salash Delicatessen, a family-run Serbian natural cured meats company.

"It's the best place we've seen so far. It's very central and close to the motorway, so all Aucklanders can visit us easily. I also love the European feel of the area, with the heritage buildings and open skies above your head, it's something different and original for New Zealand," says owner Pedja Mirkov.

A string of other hospitality offerings are also ready to open over the next two months.

Retailer Loft Living is also confirmed to open in the Western stables, housing stylish home wares, alongside a nail bar, souvenir shop, convenience store and travel shop.

Victoria Park Manager Shelley Mitchell says she is looking forward to seeing the area reach its full potential.

"Now that the Victoria Park Market is more than 80 per cent tenanted, it's looking amazing," she says.

"We can't wait for the stellar line-up we have of retail and hospitality to open in September and October," says Mitchell.