Huapai retail units for lease

An artist's impression of some of the retail units at 321-323 Main Road, (State Highway 16), Huapai. Photo / Supplied

Retail units under construction at Huapai, near Kumeu, northwest of Auckland, are scheduled to be completed and available for lease later this year.

The eight units, at 321-323 Main Road (State Highway 16) are being marketed by JLL's head of retail, Chris Beasleigh, and associate director of retail, Ranesh Parmar.

The men say the 1460sq m development, which sits upon on 4300 sq m of land, will be ready for occupation in the third quarter of the year.

Beasleigh says the development is in a major Auckland growth node; with the positioning and location suiting a wide range of retail uses, including convenience retail, service retail, medical, hospitality and food and beverage.

"New retailers are sorely needed to service the increasing population in the area," he says.

Statistics New Zealand forecasts suggest that the population in the Huapai-Kumeu area will grow from the current level of 18,700 to over 50,000 by 2043 - a growth factor of 173 per cent.

"Unichem Pharmacy, a major national occupier, has already committed as the anchor tenant of the development showing their confidence in this growth location. A dentist, physiotherapist and doctors' clinic have also committed to space," says Parmar.

The development will be split across two buildings (Complex A and Complex B) with construction of the units being a mix of concrete, steel, plasterboard and timber

There are two units available in Complex A, which adjoins the Unichem tenancy, and six units available in Complex B.

The units range in size from 50sq m through to 700sq m, providing various configuration options for potential tenants.

The development will also have ample onsite parking for customers with about 80 spaces in total, says Parmar.

"The pure level of population growth in the Huapai-Kumeu area will ensure the success of a flourishing retail offering which is lacking at present. The Main Road development in Haupai is well positioned to take advantage of these demographic changes which will create significant demand for retail amenities."

JLL national research manager Tom Barclay says that retail developments such as the Huapai complex are a testament to the residential growth in the greater Auckland area, as housing in the central suburbs has become unaffordable to many.

"The Huapai-Kumeu area is particularly attractive because of its world class wineries, restaurants and the rural feel of the township," says Barclay.

Beasleigh says special housing areas surrounding Kumeu and Huapai, include the Huapai Triangle subdivision of 2000 houses, which will provide a strong and reliable customer base for the development into the future.