New Woolworths supermarket proposed for Flaxmere, consent under way

Local developers TW Property have confirmed that they have submitted a resource consent to the Hastings District Council for the development of a new Woolworths supermarket in Flaxmere.

The proposed site for the supermarket sits at the rear of the Flaxmere shopping precinct and borders Swansea Rd, Caernarvon Drive, Pam O’Keefe Ave and Te Ara Moeke.

Woolworths currently has four stores in Hawke’s Bay and is a major employer in the area.

The Flaxmere New World was closed in February 2024, leaving the community without a suitable option for groceries, and it was recently revealed that Anugrah Limited, a grocery supermarket operation would open by the end of January 2025.

Renders now show plans for a 3460sq m full service supermarket, along with a separate retail space and customer carpark with 171 car parks.

CEO of TW Property, the development arm of TW Group, Terry May, said they entered into a conditional agreement for a lease with nationwide supermarket chain Woolworths.

“We are thrilled to be able to deliver a supermarket to the people of Flaxmere in partnership with Woolworths.

“Whilst this project is currently at the resource consent stage, we are hopeful that we can get it across the line and deliver this much-needed amenity that will service the Flaxmere community.”

Woolworths New Zealand’s Director of Property Matthew Grainger, said Woolworths is pleased to be at this stage with a proposed new supermarket for the local community.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to better serve New Zealanders across the country, and we’re excited about the possibility of bringing a state-of-the-art Woolworths supermarket to Flaxmere,”,

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was fantastic news for Flaxmere.

“The Flaxmere community has been waiting for this for a long time, and it’s wonderful that a full-sized supermarket similar to that in Hastings is being proposed.

“Along with upcoming housing developments, and our award-winning Flaxmere Park and skate plaza, it really is Flaxmere’s time.”

Councillor for the Flaxmere Ward Henry Heke said the new supermarket would be a game-changer for the thriving community.

“This is the start of our opportunity to develop a township that supports the fastest-growing population in Hastings.

“Alongside expansions in senior housing and first-home ownership, this much-needed addition strengthens local commerce and ensures a prosperous future.

He said the supermarket would bring job opportunities and Flaxmere’s unique culture would enhance this development

“I can’t wait to see what other surprises we can unfold as we build a strong, sustainable Flaxmere township.”

TW Group are a locally owned and operated property development, civil, construction and trades company, who have 14 different businesses operating under their umbrella.

May confirmed that once consent is granted, they would use their in-house civil and construction teams, as well as a number of their other trades businesses, to deliver the supermarket.