Space still to lease at Long Bay Village

Artist's impression of the Long Bay Village development due to open in 2019. Photo / Supplied

Top Auckland eateries are among the tenants that have committed to the Long Bay Village development - scheduled to open in 2019 - but there is still space remaining for prospective tenants.

Bayleys Real Estate's Chris Beasleigh says Auckland foodies can anticipate a coastal dining "hot spot", with the $70 million development having attracted some of the city's most popular restaurants.

Beasleigh, Bayleys' national director of retail sales and leasing, drew on an extensive network of contacts in hospitality, food and beverage sectors to place complementary tenants at the village.

He says 30 per cent of the space for lease remains; and this can be configured into various sizes and aspect floor plates depending on the specific needs of additional incoming tenant operators.

"Formation of the seaside village's restaurant quarter is off to an excellent start thanks to the calibre of those involved," says Beasleigh.

Among these will be restaurant entrepreneur and the owner of Kingsland bar and restaurant Citizen Park, Darren Tolley.

"We've been waiting for an opportunity like this and we're pretty excited about it," says Tolley. "When we saw what was going to be built — a beautiful new village, within a two-minute walk of a gorgeous beach — it was a no brainer for us."

Taking inspiration from the inner city bars of New York and surf clubs in Australia, Tolley and business partner Dean Lodge have plans for a new architecturally-designed, seaside-inspired restaurant, including two bars and a stunning outdoor courtyard, with views over the wet land and regional park. The men are also planning to open an adjoining eatery in the village, specialising in quality dumplings and craft beer.

Long Bay Village will also feature:

• Salanzo, a concept establishment from the team behind popular Mediterranean cafe and tapas bar Pescado, well-established on Auckland's waterfront;
• Thai Street, part of the successful restaurant chain behind Mai Thai, Grasshopper and Red Crab Thai Cuisine which will provide an authentic street food, similar to that on offer from the Thai Street restaurant now operating at the Wynyard Quarter; and
• the North Shore's first Kapiti Creamery - offering cold treats, speciality cheeses and picnic baskets.

Todd Property managing director Evan Davies says he is delighted with the calibre of food operators attracted to the Long Bay Village. "It's going to provide a fantastic dining experience, with all the vibrancy and buzz of a modern inner-city village, and right on the edge of Auckland's most popular regional park," he says.

The 1.6ha Long Bay Village development has also secured its key anchor tenant — a full service New World supermarket.

Construction of the 3200sq m building has already begun, with the largest crawler crane in the country now on site to lift in huge pre-cast concrete panels to make up the floors and walls of the full range supermarket.

"Developments like this give us the opportunity to create an extraordinary shopping experience for the community," says Lindsay Rowles, the GM Property Foodstuffs North Island.

"Not only will customers be able to purchase fresh, quality groceries in the most up-to-date environment, but we'll also be able to offer wonderful employment opportunities to North Shore residents."

Davies says it's been five months since construction started on the Long Bay Village, designed by award-winning architects.

"When it opens next year, the development will feature 28 businesses, including a large medical centre and chemist, 24-hour gym and retail outlets, many with north-facing views over wetlands and extensive new planting. There will also be 26 premium apartments and commercial office space overlooking the Long Bay Regional Park," he says.