The recent unveiling of the first stage of the $78 million development at Botany Town Centre lived up to the hoopla and excitement as long queues of eager shoppers lined up hours before the doors to the shopping centre opened.
The new retailers on the block, global make-up brand Mecca Maxima and fashion brand H&M certainly knew how to work up the anticipation of excited shoppers as they gave away freebies (goodie bags and free cinnamon buns) as reward for all those who braved the cold and patiently waited outside for the sliding doors to open.
A haka by Sancta Maria College, key speeches by Mayor Phil Goff and Mark Kirkland, AMP Capital managing director Shopping Centres, followed by cultural performances by students of Botany Downs Secondary College and performances by professional entertainers, marked the official opening.
The ribbon was cut by Nick Cobham, portfolio manager AMP Capital, and Mr Kirkland.
The new development at Botany Town Centre, managed by AMP Capital on behalf of the centre’s owners, is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
Mr Kirkland said it has been a long journey getting the best brands to the shopping centre and that there is more to come with the next phase of the opening.
“Botany Town Centre, which we manage on behalf of its owners, is a key retail, entertainment and community hub in the greater Auckland region, and investment was crucial to ensure the centre remains a desirable destination that meets the needs of a diverse and growing community,” he said.
“AMP Capital is pleased to unveil the first stage of the development and deliver a premier shopping centre experience for our customers, retailers and investors. Thank you to the owners for their investment in this development and their support for the centre”.
The new retailers include H&M, Mecca Maxima, Decjuba, The Cosmetic Clinic, Platypus, Presshouse, Stewart Dawson, Novo, Pandora, Westpac and Sushi Sushi.
Also opening later in the month is Starbucks and Postie (both previous tenants returning to the new-look centre), as well as PapaRich, Gong Cha, Connor and Sunglass Hut.
Existing retailer Hallensteins will also open a new-look store soon.
The development will expand the centre to 62,700sqm; including an extension to the Fashion Pavilions which will see the number of tenancies grow to more than 200 stores including new fashion and lifestyle brands.
This follows the completed refurbishment of Hoyts Cinemas, now with more than 1000 luxurious powered recliner cinema seats.
The upgrade will include an extended landscaped area outside the Pavilions with children’s play area and seating for dining. In addition, current upgrades are underway to enclose the outdoor area of Garden Lane.
This is targeted to open in spring.
