Fears more outlets could hurt CBD

A plan change to allow bulk retail outlets to open on the Old Boys rugby ground, above, centre, will lead to more empty shops in the CBD, the Northland Chamber of Commerce says. Photo / File

A decision to allow more bulk retail outlets in Okara will impact on future development and investment in central Whangarei, a Northland business advocacy group says.

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Northland said the Whangarei District Council's proposal to sell the Old Boys' Rugby Club rooms and grounds and to rezone the land for retail development could result in more empty shops in town.

The chamber submitted its thoughts on the council's proposal to the Environment Court which has heard an application by a group of Whangarei businesses opposed to the change.

Former Whangarei district councillor Wally Yovich spearheaded the challenge, with support from the chamber, Industry Northland and local businessmen Tony Davies-Colley, Des Quinn, Ralph Calvert and Vince Cocurullo.

The court has reserved its decision after a four-day hearing.

In December last year, council-appointed commissioners Les Simmons and John Childs approved Plan Change 130, allowing "big box" or bulk retail outlets on the Old Boys site, and said it would provide opportunities for economic growth and employment in Whangarei.

But Mr Yovich and his supporters argue the council failed to adequately address the negative economic effects of the plan change on businesses in the CBD.

They say the decision is inconsistent with stated council policy to maintain and strengthen the city centre as the primary centre within the district for shopping and employment.

NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland CEO Tony Collins said a walk through the inner city would quickly identify many retail outlets that would sit comfortably within a large format retail zone when compared to other towns in the country.

"If these activities are displaced to another location as a result of the proposal and if the shift is of sufficient significance to tip the scale, then it might be questionable whether the existing inner CBD can really be called that if it is based on historical geographic location rather than actual commercial activity."

With a lack of significant attraction in the inner CBD, he said the new bulk retail outlets would not create a strong centre. Mr Collins said the final location of a large format retail outlet would impact on commercial activity, and on future development and investment.

The court has reserved its decision.