Bayfair shopping centre expansion reaches major milestone

Bayfair centre manager Steve Ellingford in front of the new Countdown under construction. Photo/John Borren

Bayfair shopping centre's $115 million expansion project hit its first major milestone with the completion of Countdown's new roof.

On Wednesday Bayfair's centre management team, retailers, Hayden Henry of Ngāi Te Rangi iwi, the Fosters' construction team, contractors, consultants and special friends of the centre gathered on site to celebrate the milestone.

Bayfair centre manager Steve Ellingford said once completed later this year, Countdown would move into its new location at the Harris and Carter streets end of the centre.

The new Countdown is among about 50 new retail stores being added to the Bayfair shopping complex, and the majority of stores will open before Christmas this year.

The final stage was set to open in the third quarter of 2019, Ellingford said.

Once the redevelopment was completed, Bayfair would be a fully integrated, single level, enclosed 42,000sq m shopping centre with 150 stores and 1820 carparks, he said.

Ellingford said Bayfair had agreed on commercial terms with tenants for more than 75 per cent of the project by area and was currently in negotiations with the balance.

"We are not in a position to disclose brand names, but look forward to making further announcements very soon.

"We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty during this development as we look to bring them more of what they love," he said.