Paula and Jake, 5, McCaskill live just around the corner and think the expansion will be very handy. Photo / George Novak
Paula and Jake, 5, McCaskill live just around the corner and think the expansion will be very handy. Photo / George Novak
Two Tauranga malls have announced the next wave of stores - including competing arcades - opening as part of multi-million dollar developments.
At Tauranga Crossing in Tauriko, popular women's fashion, sports and streetwear brands and an amusement arcade will open alongside global retailer H&M this year.
Across town at Mount Maunganui's Bayfair, an 837sq m "family entertainment centre" is coming early this year.
Shoppers at Tauranga Crossing yesterday welcomed news that 19 new stores would open in April as part the centre's $150 million development.
They included Decjuba, Bendon, Pagani, Hartleys, K&K Fashions, Mirrou, and Merric.
Jewellery, eyewear, sportswear, sneaker and technology stores and services were also on the list, as well as a barber.
Alongside the previously-announced Event Cinema, with 1000 seats and a Vmax screen, new gaming experience Rcade will provide individual virtual reality consoles along with a range of classic arcade games.
Platypus is one of the new stores to open at Tauranga Crossing in April. Photo / Supplied
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Steve Lewis said there would be a great mix of retailers, eateries and entertainment to suit the needs of both locals and visitors.
"We've listened to what people want and believe we will deliver a shopping destination that locals will be proud of and visitors will want to check out," he said.
Paula McCaskill from Pyes Pa said the range of new shops would be 'really handy' and would save her having to go to the other side of town for some things.
Bridget Allan, a mother of three from Oropi, said she really can't wait for the new extension to be done. The biggest drawcard will definitely was the new cinema.
The Tauranga Crossing mall expansion is set to be ready by April. Photo / George Novak
Gate Pa local Beshlie Sybers said she was looking forward to checking the new stores out and her 9-year-old son would be stoked with the opening of a sports store in the area.
Once the next section of the mall opens in April the 45,000sq m shopping complex will house up to 70 fashion, general merchandise, and service retailers along with 27 restaurants and eateries within the two-level mall galleria and dining area.
An additional 700 car parks will also be added in April.
More retailers will be announced next month.
TimeZone is set to open at Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mount Maunganui early this year. Photo / Supplied
Bayfair, meanwhile, was preparing to welcome Timezone into its $115m redevelopment.
The gaming experience would provide shoppers with a modern, multi-attraction space, complete with a winners vault' where people could redeem the Timezone tickets for prizes.
Bayfair centre manager Steve Ellingford he could not wait to see people enjoy Timezone alongside Bayfair's all-year-round retail, dining and entertainment offerings.
