NRC has big plans for old supermarket site in Whangārei

Northland Regional Council has big plans to revitilise the old Countdown Building in Kensington.

Northland Regional Council has big plans to revitalise the old Countdown supermarket site in Whangārei.

Formal Registrations of Interest (ROI) are now being sought for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment to breathe new life into the council-owned former supermarket site in Kensington.

NRC has been working with development partner Argyle Estates Ltd on a deal to transform the Kensington Ave plot into a suburban centre, split into a number of new, smaller tenancies.

Penny Smart, who chairs the council's Property Subcommittee, said prospective tenants are already being signed up for the planned redevelopment, which would include a combination of "medical and convenience retail" in a refurbished existing building.

"There may also be a new-build childcare centre at the northern part of the site," Smart said.

The high-profile corner property has been vacant for several years and it's expected the project will inject new life into the area. The 9967sq m site consists of 12 lots.

"Current and previous councillors have contemplated assorted options over the years and my colleagues and I believe this proposed redevelopment is an ideal vehicle to restore some much-needed energy to this area and its local community," Smart said.

The property will be retained in full council ownership as a tenanted investment property as part of the council's wider property portfolio, which significantly subsidises rates and council activities. The council had been trying to sell the site, but that did not eventuate.

ROI documents can be downloaded from the Government Electronic Tender Service at www.gets.govt.nz, with the reference RFx ID: 20808156.