MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

Moving Auckland Forward

Hon John Banks QSO
Mayor of Auckland City

4 December 2003

Timing perfect as first Britomart stores open

“The opening of 10 retail stores in the old Chief Post Office caps off 10 great days of news for Britomart and downtown Auckland,” said Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks today.

Mr Banks’ comments come ahead of him officially opening the new retail centre in the Britomart Transport Centre at 6.30 tonight.

“The retailers operating from within the fabulous Chief Post Office have made a good business decision. They are where the action will increasingly be, with Auckland’s CBD on an unprecedented roll.

“Britomart is a key component and catalyst to central AuckIand’s success. In its entirety Britomart provides a world-class transport interchange, conserves our heritage, reinvigorates retailing, and overall gives a huge boost to the downtown area.

“It has been a very progressive week for Britomart. Last Thursday the Auckland City Council voted unanimously to negotiate with the Bluewater Consortium. The development of the above-ground 5.2 hectare precinct and the restoration of the surrounding late Victorian warehouse buildings is going to be great.“

“The Britomart precinct comes with a strong trading history. Combined with the exciting development set to happen, the future of Britomart and those doing business from within it looks bright.”

Each of the 10 retail outlets’ design, fit-out and signage is in keeping with the restored Edwardian Chief Post Office. ARTNL is the landlord and owner of the retail kiosks.

The 10 outlets are: City Star (convenience store); Lotus (foreign exchange); Amazing Crepes; Zero 1 Sushi; Vogue Drycleaning; Britomart Florist; Tranz Scenic Travel Centre; Continental Express (coffee house); DS Wireless (Vodafone outlet); and Pegusus Rental Cars.

Other recent CBD news includes last week’s council announcement to sign a heads of agreement with Sydney-based company Jacobsen Venue Management Pty Limited advancing the plans to build a 12,000-seet indoor arena at Quay Park.

Also last week, the Mayor launched the City’s 10-year draft action plan and strategy to revitalise the CBD and deal with the huge residential and business growth forecast.

“Britomart is of course the gateway to Queen Street - the country’s number one street which I am committed to substantially upgrading within the next few years. I want every one to be proud of downtown Auckland. It is after all the commercial capital of New Zealand,” said Mr Banks.

Ends

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