34 | Takanini Town Centre: Derby Square T T Karen Phelps Recognition for exciting new precinct Derby Square now plays a significant role in the wider performance and evolution of Takanini Town Centre. “The goal was to respond to a clear gap in South Auckland’s urban fabric by delivering a space that encourages social connection while supporting strong commercial outcomes.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Derby Square, the hospitality and entertainment precinct at Takanini Town Centre in South Auckland, has been named a finalist in the Retail Property Award category of the Property Council New Zealand 2026 Property Industry Awards, recognising its role in reshaping community life and commercial activity in one of the region’s fastest-growing suburbs. “There is a huge team that brings about a project of this scale, so we’re very appreciative that their efforts have been recognised,” says development manager James Kermode. Developed by Takanini Village, Derby Square sits at 30 Walters Road, and forms a key extension of the wider town centre. The project delivers 4530sqm of net lettable area across a 9500sqm site, combining restaurants, cafés, bars, and entertainment venues around a landscaped public square designed as a modern civic focal point. James says the precinct has been conceived as more than a commercial destination. “Its central open space is regularly activated through markets, fitness events and community gatherings, helping to establish a stronger sense of place in an area previously lacking high-quality hospitality and leisure infrastructure. It has quickly become a drawcard for both residents and visitors across South Auckland,” he says. Construction of Derby Square began in March 2022 during a period of significant market disruption, with post-Covid supply chain delays and rapid cost escalation affecting key materials, such as steel and precast concrete. James says extended lead times required early procurement decisions and close coordination between consultants, contractors and the development team to maintain programme certainty. “Despite these challenges, the project was delivered under budget, with careful contingency planning and value management throughout the design and construction process. The collaborative delivery model between the developer and construction team helped mitigate risk, while maintaining design quality and long-term adaptability.” James says the building was also designed with future flexibility in mind. Structural systems and service layouts allow for potential conversion of the cinema tenancy into office space if required, ensuring long-term resilience as market demands evolve. Material selection focused on durability and reduced maintenance, with brick and precast concrete used to balance aesthetic quality with lifecycle performance. He says environmental considerations were embedded throughout the design. “While not formally certified under Green Star or similar frameworks, Derby Square was developed in alignment with their principles, with attention to embodied carbon reduction, stormwater management and transport connectivity. Recharge systems return water to underlying peat soils, and improved public transport links reduce reliance on private vehicles.” e says that operationally, the precinct promotes sustainability through waste separation systems, efficient building services and centralised plant design that supports long-term adaptability and ease of maintenance. Its location within an established town centre further reduces travel distances for everyday leisure and hospitality use. James says the project reflects a broader ambition to create a meaningful civic destination, rather than a conventional retail development. Derby Square now plays a significant role in the wider performance and evolution of Takanini Town Centre, which James says operates at 99.1% occupancy, despite challenging market conditions for retail and hospitality. “The goal was to respond to a clear gap in South Auckland’s urban fabric by delivering a space that encourages social connection while supporting strong commercial outcomes,” he says. “The introduction of the precinct as the third stage of development has strengthened the overall tenant mix and contributed to increased foot traffic, longer dwell times and improved trading performance across the centre. “Improved retailer performance has translated into improved commercial outcomes, with the town centre market rents higher than its peers in the South Auckland market.” James says that beyond its commercial success, the development has been recognised as a catalyst for reshaping the identity of the area, shifting it from a traditional retail centre into a genuine civic and lifestyle destination. “Its selection as a finalist in the Property Council New Zealand Awards reflects both Derby Square’s economic performance and its broader contribution to urban regeneration in South Auckland.” WHITE ASSOCIATES QUANTITY SURVEYORS COLLABORATION | CONNECTION | COMMITMENT Proudly supporting Takanini Town Centre Estimating | Project Funding Services | Construction Cost Management | Advisory Services Talk to us about how our expertise in cost consulting and quantity surveying can contribute to the success of your project. 09 362 0624 www.whiteassociates.co.nz info@whiteassociates.co.nz Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
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