Stampede for shop space in precinct

Work on shopping centres at Tauriko. Photo/George Novak

More than 70 per cent of the retail space in Tauranga's newest shopping precinct has been snapped up, more than a year before it is due to open.

Stage 1 at Tauranga Crossing has begun with 17,800sq m of development, which includes 780 carparks. Stage 2 will include a further 37,000sq m of developments and another 1600 carparks.

Construction of a BP service station had also started, located at the corner of Taurikura Drive and State Highway 36 to Rotorua.

Tauriko developer and director of Calland Properties Richard Stilwell said 24 tenancies had been filled for Stage 1 of the 18,000sq m development, which was more than 70 per cent of the space available.

"Tauranga Crossing has been overwhelmed by the demand for space in the shopping centre, as national and local retailers look to capitalise on the strong growth in Tauranga."

The growth in the western area of the Bay, Tauranga in particular, and the opportunity to trade from a purpose-built large format shopping centre was exciting, he said.

Mr Stilwell said Higgins Contracting was undertaking the civil works for the development, with above ground works starting at the end of the winter.

The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, Noel Leeming and Pak'n Save would be developed in the precinct too.

Tauranga Crossing was scheduled to open in September, 2016.

Meanwhile, work on the Pyes Pa shopping centre is a few months away from completion.

Rob Pinny, commercial and industrial specialist for Ray White Commercial Tauranga, said progress on the Pyes Pa shopping centre site was still on track, with an opening planned for the middle of August.

A few buildings were several days behind schedule but were expected to make up progress in the next few weeks.

Flex Fitness Gym, Body in Motion Physio, Bethlehem Dentists and Robert's Cafe were some of the stores planned. A supermarket was also planned for the area, while a pharmacy, medical centre and a range of restaurants would feature in the development.

Tauranga Crossing
* Located at the intersection of SH36, SH29 and Route K. The centre's location and potential have been recognised by Pak'n Save, The Warehouse, Noel Leeming and Warehouse Stationery, who will collectively occupy more than 70 per cent of Stage 1.
* The balance has been designed to accommodate approximately 5500sqm of food, service and general merchandise stores.
* It is estimated Tauriko Industrial Estate will employ 5000 full-time employees, while The
Lakes Residential Estate will have an estimated 7000 residents.