Green light for $50m retail development in Hamilton

A $50 million retail development on Tainui land at the former Te Rapa air base in Hamilton has been given the go-ahead from the Environment Court.

The Waikato Times understands all appeals against the development were dismissed.

The appellants were Westfield, operators of Chartwell shopping centre, and Centre Place owners Kiwi Income Property Trust.

The multi-store development includes a new store for The Warehouse, more than twice the size of its Hillcrest store and one of the biggest in New Zealand.

News of the development came a day after Hamilton airport unveiled a $51 million redevelopment plan, including a $30 million industrial and commercial centre.

The Te Rapa proposal, when released in 2002, was subject to planning consent because large commercial development was not allowed on the site under the Hamilton City Council plan.

Council planning guidance manager Gulab Bilimoria said today he had yet to see the Environment Court decision, but it would have implications for other commercial developments pending.

Meanwhile, a shortage of commercial land means tenants will leap at the Hamilton airport plan.

Long-term, it could become like Auckland airport which has 24-hour retailers, including supermarkets and a driving range.

Harcourts agent Rex Hadley said the development would have to be staged.

He said rental car businesses, courier companies and trucking firms would be keen. Being midway between SH1 and SH3 made the site ideal.

- NZPA