Papamoa Plaza $20m redevelopment on track

PLAZA PLANS: The redevelopment of Papamoa Plaza is "bang on" schedule and an array of temporary traders, incubator sites and some stalls from the Little Big Markets would operate their over the Christmas trading period, says centre manager David Hill. PHOTOS/JOHN BORREN

Papamoa Plaza is on track with its $20 million redevelopment and will have a brand new food court next year and about 20 new shops.

All of its sites had been leased inside the existing complex, however due to building and design consents an array of temporary traders, incubator sites and some stalls from the Little Big Markets would operate over the Christmas trading period, centre manager David Hill said.

He estimated about 350 people were currently working on the revamp both on and off site and work was expected to continue through until the end of 2017 when the last stage, which included a block of big national retailers was complete.

At the end of the project there would be up to 50 stores at Papamoa Plaza, a village green space, evening dining that could cater for four to five restaurants and 700 carparks, Mr Hill said.

Hundreds of new jobs were also expected to be created as the mall progressed and shops opened. The foodcourt would accommodate nine food operators from a juice bar, sushi and traditional Indian and Chinese cuisine and would be open by September.

National retailers had been targeted for the final stage of the plaza which would kick off in 2017 and Mr Hill said expressions of interest were high.

"We have had more than what we have room for but we want to get the right mix", however he was unable to release any further information.

But a number of women's fashion clothing stores and a surf shop would take up vacancies inside.

"Absolutely exciting," was how Mr Hill described the redevelopment and said its owners Tinline Properties were "thrilled to bits and totally over the moon".

Feedback from the community was positive and it had been consulted throughout the whole process and it was not trying to compete with Bayfair.

"Bayfair wants everyone from the entire region to come and that is great and they have that offer. We are clearly identifying what Papamoa wants and needs, and trying to deliver.

"I think what we are trying to do is spot on and it's so much fun."

Mr Hill, who was also the deputy chairman of Papamoa Unlimited, believed Fashion Island could also hold potential for any future new owners.

"There is opportunity for new owners to come in and reinvigorate and we would certainly encourage them to do that."

Built in 2006, Fashion Island contains 20 tenancies and forms part of a larger retail hub in the fast-growing Tauranga coastal suburb. Nearby occupiers include Mitre 10 Mega, Pak 'n Save, The Warehouse, KFC and Countdown.

Jason Seymour, Colliers' director of capital markets told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend earlier this week Fashion Island was ideally positioned to benefit from strong population and economic growth in the local catchment.

The sale would be by private treaty, with a closing deadline of 4pm, December 4.

Meanwhile Blue Haven Management's first commercial development on Golden Sands Drive would welcome some of its first tenants on Monday. Chief executive Bill Miller said it was stage one of four commercial areas for the subdivision, which it would retain ownership over.

The architecturally designed facility would accommodate a medical centre, dentist, licensed cafe, pharmacy, dental practice and physiotherapist clinic.

Mr Miller said the exciting part about it was being able to provide a social asset for the community. "It is going to give the Golden Sands neighbourhood a heart. The easy walking access to health facilities and another amenities is great for people who live in the suburb."

Planning for the Golden Sands Neighbourhood Centre and retail stores would begin in 2016 and it was expected to be finished within three years, he said.

Unichem Excelsa Pharmacy managing Peter McSweeney said it was a great opportunity to open a brand new pharmacy in Papamoa.

"We think Papamoa is growing extremely quickly and and that is where we see a lot of the growth and wanted to be involved in a fast-growing demographic of Tauranga."

The pharmacy would create six new jobs.