14 | Colliers Christchurch: Northlink Centre T T Bernadette Cooney New retail showroom for NorthLink “There’s been really strong demand for NorthLink. We’ve got retailers who want to be there who aren’t, so you could almost have another stage of it.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The third and final stage of large-format shopping centre NorthLink at Langdons Road, Papanui, is nearing completion with new anchor retail tenant, Harvey Norman, set to open a 6000sqm showroom this month – its 46th store in New Zealand since it began 26 years ago. Nick Doig, director of retail at Colliers Christchurch, has overseen the leasing of NorthLink Centre for the past five years, and says the completion of stage three, covering 7865sqm, takes the total floor area of NorthLink to 29,500sqm and comprising 24 retail tenancies. There are also more than 700 car parks. “NorthLink has been popular since its inception, drawing on the strong surrounding population and attracting shoppers from throughout Christchurch because of its retailer mix, convenient location, and plentiful parking,” says Nick. Demand for space in the centre remains high, with retailers vying for a presence in what has become a bustling retail hub. Technical outdoor retail brand Macpac, and automotive parts and accessories retailer Supercheap Auto, have also signed for 915sqm each within NorthLink. “There’s been really strong demand for NorthLink. We’ve got retailers who want to be there who aren’t, so you could almost have another stage of it,” says Nick. These new additions will join established tenants such as Kmart, Briscoes, Rebel Sport, and Noel Leeming, who were part of the centre’s earlier development. As Doug Murray, national development & asset manager for Harvey Norman, explains, the company is “always on the lookout for new locations where we can best serve the community and satisfy all of their home furnishing and entertainment needs”. The NorthLink Harvey Norman store will be among the chain’s biggest in New Zealand. “We expect to open several more stores across New Zealand over coming years,” says Doug. “Our next store to open in Christchurch is at Ravenswood, Rangiora. Construction is well progressed, and the store is planned to open late 2024.” NorthLink Centre’s origins provide an interesting backdrop to its current success. The site was formerly home to the Firestone tyre factory, before being transformed into a thriving retail destination. Built on 7.3 hectares, NorthLink has grown from its industrial roots into a retail powerhouse. This growth solidifies NorthLink’s position as a key player in the region’s large-format retail landscape. Its appeal as a large-format, open-air shopping centre with an impressive selection of retailers is preferred by shoppers for ease of access and plentiful parking. “We’re moving towards a large-format, open-air shopping environment, and particularly post-Covid this concept has really taken off,” Nick explains. This trend has made centres like NorthLink a vital part of the retail ecosystem in Christchurch. Now that NorthLink Centre is 100% occupied, the Collier’s project leasing team would focus its attention on other projects they have coming on stream. “It’s been a great project to be involved with on behalf of the developer, Papanui Properties Ltd and in conjunction with the builders, Envision 80/20 Developments.” Nick Doig Director of Retail Mobile: +64 21 944 722 Email: nick.doig@colliers.com Colliers are proud to have secured Harvey Norman as another great addition to NorthLink Shopping Centre. South Island Commercial Limited, Licensed under the REAA 2008. L E A S E D
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