An artist's impression of the new IRetail convenience centre to be built on the corner of Jones Rd and IPort Drive in Rolleston. Photo / Supplied
An artist's impression of the new IRetail convenience centre to be built on the corner of Jones Rd and IPort Drive in Rolleston. Photo / Supplied
Up to 13 retail tenancies are available in a new convenience retail centre to be built in Rolleston, just outside Christchurch, with construction to commence this year.
The centre, named IRetail, is Carter Group's latest property development on an 11,000sq m greenfield site near the corner of Jones Rd and IPort Drive on the northern side of State Highway 1.
Resource consent has been granted for the centre will have a high-profile position to State Highway 1 in one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, says Savills leasing manager Ryan Geddes.
"To date there has been no comparable retail development in Rolleston that groups together several convenience-focused tenants on a prime site facing the highway.
"We're expecting this to be a major drawcard for retailers in a centre well-positioned to capture business from passing motorists as well as the fast-growing local population."
The 3000sq m development, designed by Christchurch-based Wilson & Hill Architects, will feature a long main building housing up to 11 tenancies from 50sq m in size upwards. A second, stand-alone building will be offered to quick-service drive-through food operators.
A further stand-alone building, with a generously-sized outdoor seating space, is earmarked for a cafe or bar. Over 160 car parks will be provided in front of the units.
The development is also located next to a new NPD [Nelson Petroleum Distributors]
service station in Rolleston and will have direct vehicle access to and from the service station forecourt.
Jesse Paenga, retail leasing executive at Savills, says Carter Group identified a gap in Rolleston's existing retail offering for a convenience-focused development on the main road.
"IRetail will provide a quick and easy place for locals and motorists to stop, with good access from new on and off-ramps from the main highway and plenty of parking," he says.
"We're considering the mix of tenants carefully based on analysis of what the local community is lacking in this location. There's likely to be a few different food and beverage offerings including a cafe, as well as other complementary shops and services that will enhance the range of retail available in Rolleston."
Paenga says Selwyn District's population is expected to grow from just under 54,000 people in 2016 to over 67,000 in 2025, according to Selwyn District Council's growth projections.
"Rolleston is expected to be the biggest contributor to the district's population growth," he says.
Local residents are also set to benefit from reduced commuting times when the Christchurch Southern Motorway opens in early 2020. The extension is expected to halve the travelling time between Rolleston and Christchurch at peak times from 30 to 15 minutes, says Paenga.
"This is expected to encourage further population growth in Rolleston, which is a very positive indicator for retailers looking at gaining a presence in the town."
