With its fashionable boutiques and beautifully restored heritage buildings, Britomart is now the heart of New Zealand fashion. But it wouldn’t exist without Peter Cooper. The lawyer turned property developer was instrumental in transforming the formally derelict part of the CBD, having successfully negotiated the council for the rights to develop the 5ha plot. The area has not only had an architectural makeover, drawing shoppers to the attractive seaside end of town, it’s also enticed big-name fashion brands World, Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker, Zambesi, Juliette Hogan, Kathryn Wilson and Trelise Cooper.
Britomart Group’s marketing director Sarah Hull has also been influential in attracting customers to the area, putting on popular events such as in-season fashion shows and a new health and fitness week in June, plus publishing the precinct’s dedicated magazine.
