The 5137sq m centre is anchored by a drive-through McDonald's restaurant and a BP petrol station, which were among the first tenants to commit to the site. "McDonald's had been looking for premises in the area for some time, without finding anything suitable, so when the concept of The Grange was introduced to them they didn't hesitate," Hutcheson says.
A substantial number of other premises have already been leased to brand name fast-food operators offering sushi, fish and chips, kebabs, fresh salads, juices and liquor. Tenants signed up include a Coffee Club, a childcare facility, Snap Fitness Centre, Tank Juice and St Pierre's Sushi.
Hutcheson says the retail development has been specifically designed as a safe and easily accessible centre for SH1 traffic - about 5.2 million vehicles pass the site annually - but it will also be of benefit to the local community.
The centre will feature easy right-hand entries and exits onto the main highway and will have 142 car parks, many for cars towing caravans, boats, trailers and buses.
"This retail centre will be a major stop-off location for Aucklanders heading to Whangarei, Northland and the northern beaches," she says. "Holidaymakers, commuters and truck drivers will stop for fuel, refreshments and supplies while locals will shop, use the childcare centre, the fitness centre and similar services.
"The Grange will also feature a landscaped picnic area, outdoor seating overlooking a small stream and a playground for the children.
"A swing bridge provides access to the cycleway and the residential sites on the development's boundary."
Hutcheson says the childcare centre will take up to 75 children.
"The owner foresees significant population growth in this area with young married couples relocating to Warkworth where they can afford to buy a new home, enjoy a country lifestyle and still commute to Auckland for work," Hutcheson says.
"Warkworth is now a significant satellite town of Auckland with huge population growth under way."
