New stores for Central mall

Smiths City has announced it is moving in to Rotorua Central. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua Central has attracted another big-box retail store with news Smiths City is moving into the complex.

Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings announced yesterday Smiths City would take over the 2500sq m spot previously occupied by Mitre 10 and Payless Plastics in a big new store.

The move will mean Rotorua Central is almost fully occupied, with Life Pharmacy moving from Tutanekai St into the mall and Tank Juice Bar opening.

It also puts an end to the rumours Kmart will open in the mall. RCG executive chairman Paul Keane, who has been working with Pukeroa Oruawhata, said Kmart would not be coming to the mall because there was no longer room.

The company had been in negotiations with Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust about the possible move.

Smiths City Group managing director Rick Hellings said it had been keen to establish in Rotorua Central for some time and was pleased to finally be given the opportunity to open a new store in the complex.

Smiths City Rotorua branch manager Paul Wyllie said the new store would be twice the size of its existing Te Ngae outlet.