Big plans for the plaza will benefit the whole community

Meadowlands Shopping Plaza, Whitford Road. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Bayleys Manukau consultant Rachael Pittaway says the Meadowlands Shopping Plaza at 112 Whitford Rd in Howick now has some highly sought-after space available for lease.

The mall has total capacity for 23 retailers and comprises a total lettable area of 5367sq m with Woolworths occupying 3421.08sq m.

"Meadowlands was recently purchased by private investors who have a revitalisation plan for the Plaza on their agenda," Pittaway says.

Originally built in 1993, the shopping centre will undergo a gradual transformation in the coming months, with the new owners contributing money to improve the facilities for the surrounding district and to promote a community atmosphere.

"The changes are designed to prompt public awareness for the convenience-driven Plaza, and to provide loyal local patrons with a new shopping inspiration," says Pittaway.

Property manager William Li says the owner has a long-term commitment to improving the centre.

"The owners have a real community focus so their aim is to create a convenient and safe shopping environment for the local precinct," says Li.

"They want to develop the plaza to offer convenience and variety, along with fast service and delivery. "They also want improved efficiency `balanced' with a relaxing, pleasant environment in which patrons can stay a while and enjoy a friendly atmosphere."

Pittaway says Bayleys Property Services took over the management of the property in March this year and implemented a different operational strategy orientated around cost efficiency which allows money to be better utilised and reinvested back into the mall.

According to Li, the improvement plans include landscaping the gardens, updating the security system, remarking the car parks and directional arrows, upgrading the trolley bays, toilet facilities and signage - with many other improvements in the pipeline that will consistently be carried out through the next two years.

"We are focused on getting the right mix and quality of tenant. Each retailer must create a friendly, welcoming environment with high-quality goods and fit-out," says Li.

Pittaway says the spaces available for lease include a prime corner space at the front of the complex with high exposure to the carpark, road, and shop entrance with large signage opportunities. "We also have other spaces to lease under 50sq m and a small office." She says professional businesses such as accountants or lawyers could easily slot into the existing office, which was used for the property managers and will be soon refurbished into a standard office. Elsewhere throughout the mall, quality cafes or food retailers, and any other retailers with superior products or services, are being sought to take advantage of the refurbished premises.

According to Pittaway, the complex receives high patronage daily because of the recently renovated and well-established Woolworths, and the mall being positioned on Whitford Rd with more than 30,000 cars passing every day.

"There is already a lot of regular foot traffic through the plaza due to Woolworths and this has increased 3 per cent in the six months since the improvements have started. "There are several other significant quality tenants in the complex that ensure regular foot traffic - such as the National Bank, Amcal Pharmacy and the New Zealand Automobile Association, which is the only AA in the eastern suburbs."

Pittaway says the retail sector's commitment to local businesses, assisting them to recover from a struggling economy, is becoming increasingly evident as more Auckland retail property owners invest capital back into local developments.