New stores for mall

An artist's impression of the Rotorua Central Mall interior with its new roof.

Rotorua's first fully covered mall will open officially next month when Rotorua Central opens the second stage of its refurbished mall.

The fully air-conditioned mall has attracted some major retailers, according to Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings chairman Malcolm Short.

As spokesman for the mall owners, Mr Short said the company was always looking to review its portfolio to "ensure that long-term investments are protected for the future benefit of our shareholders".

"The Rotorua Central Mall fell into this category, hence our decision to carry out this major refurbishment," Mr Short said.

The new development, he said, had encouraged new retailers to the site and enabled existing retailers to refurbish their premises to create a new, modern retail environment that was up with the best international standards.

"We are proud of Rotorua Central and we have worked hard over the years to bring new retail standards to Rotorua which enables Rotorua residents to shop locally, rather than to shop outside the district.

"This has encouraged retail spend, and most importantly has ensured new employment opportunities in Rotorua both through construction and retail employment."

Moving into the new mall are Glasson's, with a new Paper Plus store and a refurbished Hallensteins.

Hallenstein Glasson spokesman Graeme Popplewell said the opportunity to have both stores opposite each other at the main northern entrance to Rotorua Central was unique for the company and provided a fashion entry statement for the mall.

Paper Plus will replace the existing Take Note store, incorporating a new design and a wider merchandise range consistent with that available from the Paper Plus Group.

Another new speciality retailer will open in the new year and Mr Short said that this would complement the Hallensteins/Glasson's and Paper Plus mix.

Further development at Rotorua Central in the New Year, said Mr Short, would further strengthen the centre.

The new covered mall will be completed in early December in time for Christmas trading, with the western entry being completed in February or March.

The architecture, development and project management was carried out by RCG Ltd with Fletcher Construction the main contractor for the project.

The centre is managed by Hulton Patchell Support Services.