"We see the tenant mix as being crucial in order to please visitors to the station, so we're in the process of contacting certain retailers which would suit such premises."
The bus station will have retail units that range in size from 34sq m to 283sq m and include both internal and external facing units and kiosk space offering retailers a range of options, he says.
"Manukau is one of Auckland's main industrial hubs, which also services a metropolitan area of close to half a million urban residents."
The principal property specialist for Auckland Transport, Mark Hitchcock, says the Manukau Bus Station will be the main transport hub supporting the new South Auckland network.
It will accommodate regional buses and public transport movements equating to about 700 buses per day, with resulting anticipated patronage for the new station to be approximately 1.5m people per year.
"The new network for South Auckland will mean more frequent bus services, timetabled at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, seven-days a week, from Papakura to Manukau and Manukau to Otahuhu," says Hitchcock.
With a high number of commuters expected through the station it is anticipated that they will be looking for specific retail items.
"We expect commuters to be looking for grab and go items at the station, such as coffee, food and travel items," Says Beasleigh.
However, not to be overlooked are the opportunities that come from the fact that the new station is situated within an existing built up area.
There will be exposure from local businesses and also a large student population from MIT and the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
"MIT caters for up to 6000 students and has about 120 staff and the AUT caters for 5000 students, creating an opportunity for youth brands in the area."
The Manukau area is expected to grow with current projects already underway such as six new apartment developments with a total of 404 units. There are also planned projects in the pipeline which include three to four mixed residential and commercial buildings to be located on a site directly attached to the Manukau Bus Station. The nearby Pacific Events Centre area is also expected to be developed further to include two new hotel sites and 1100 residential homes at Pacific Gardens.
"The Manukau Bus Station will also service visitors to some of the local attractions such as the Westfield Shopping Centre, the Manukau Supa Centre, Rainbows End, Vector Wero Whitewater Park and the Vodafone Events Centre," says Beasleigh.
"Due to the obvious commuter flows and the fact the station is in an established area, the opportunity for retailers is second to none and really is a win for grab and go retailers looking for their next site."
