Foodstuffs proposes moving Havelock North New World as part of major CBD shake-up

Foodstuffs said it was too early to comment on the proposal or any potential proposals for Havelock North. Photo / Warren Buckland

Foodstuffs is proposing a shift of its central Havelock North New World to a new site in the village, as part of a major CBD shake-up.

An agenda for Tuesday's Hastings District Council Long Term Plan submissions meeting shows the council is considering purchasing part of the current New World Havelock North carpark.

The agenda states that "this opportunity has arisen with the proposed relocation of the New World supermarket to a new location in Havelock North".

The new supermarket would be some time away yet - the agenda states that Foodstuffs NZ has confirmed to the council that it would "not be in a position to dispose of the Havelock North New World site for at least a year".

Foodstuffs NZ head of corporate affairs Antoinette Laird said it is "simply too early" to comment on "proposed or potential proposals in Havelock North".

The report does not state where the New World would be moved to.

Turley & Co property analyst Dayna Campbell said 32-34 Havelock Rd was owned by Foodstuffs and occupied by Tumu ITM.

2-6 Martin Pl - the old Nimons bus site and recycling station - was also owned by Foodstuffs.

The recycling centre was closed by Hastings District Council last year because the lease the Hastings council held for the land was terminated.

Campbell said there was a Tumu ITM development proposed for 4-6 Martin Pl, but no consent currently in the Hastings District Council public property file.

The proposal to purchase part of the current New World supermarket site for parking was included in the council's 2021 – 2031 Long Term Plan under the section "parking pinch-point".

The section of the Havelock North New World carpark that Hastings District Council is proposing to purchase. Photo / Screenshot of Hastings District Council agenda

In 2020 the council undertook a parking study for Havelock North. One of the recommendations of the report was that council "plan for provision of an additional 80 – 100 parking spaces in the Village Centre".

The carpark site already has 65 car parks, with potential for a greater number, and part of the site will create a service access between Joll Rd and Porter Dr.

The Long Term Plan consultation document states that the council's purchase of land is dependent on the supermarket obtaining resource consent approval to relocate to another site within the Havelock North commercial area.

"Should consent not be obtained then the proposed purchase of this site will not proceed and alternative sites would be investigated."

The council is proposing to purchase the parks by increasing the Havelock North parking targeted rate.

The council is hearing submissions on the Long Term Plan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A new supermarket would be a long-awaited development in Havelock North.

Progressive Enterprises pulled out of its plan to open a Countdown on Cooper St in Havelock North in 2012, after zoning rules deemed it an Employment Precinct which did not allow for food businesses.

Countdown has since purchased land on Havelock Rd, just out of Hastings, currently leased by childcare providers Lulu and Max.

Foodstuffs said it was "looking forward to sharing more with the community when the time comes".

"Until then, New World Havelock North continues to serve the local community and its customers with fresh and grocery essentials, online shopping and incredible customer service."