Westfield Riccarton Plans Unveiled

Westfield Riccarton Plans Unveiled

Westfield New Zealand is progressing well with plans for a proposed $90 million redevelopment of Westfield Riccarton which will see the centre increase to a size of some 46,000m2. On completion in late 2004, Westfield Riccarton will be the premier retail destination in Christchurch with a complete complement of fashion, entertainment, leisure and main stream retail activities.

Westfield has been planning this development for the past 18 months. Resource Consent approvals are in place and agreement has been reached with the major tenants involved in the centre and in the development. Detailed planning of the construction of the development to ensure a minimum of disruption to the public and the Westfield Riccarton retailers is on-going.

Certain preparatory works have commenced as a precursor to the commencement of the main project in the third quarter of 2003.

Westfield Riccarton is an extremely strong performing centre, boasting amongst the highest specialty shop sales per square metre in New Zealand. “This development will position Riccarton as the most stylish and dynamic retail destination for the South Island”, says John Widdup, Director of Westfield New Zealand.

A strong focus will be a leisure component with the introduction of the Hoyts Club Class Cinema complex, which will feature the largest projection screen and cinema in Christchurch and club seating throughout. In tandem with the Cinemas will be the creation of a restaurant and café street area focussed on Rotherham Street.

The $90m redevelopment of Westfield Riccarton will represent a significant investment for the Christchurch economy. This will generate upward of 800 positions in the retail industry, and up to 1300 jobs in the construction industry.

On completion the development will provide shoppers with: 130 retail stores 2400 car parks

In addition on completion Westfield Riccarton will offer the Christchurch public: An expanded and refurbished Pak ‘n Save A rebranded and expanded Farmers Department Store with the latest international fit out A new full service supermarket 50 additional specialty stores 800 additional car parks

“Westfield Riccarton is not a large development but is one of quality. We have discussed each step of this development with the retail community who have shown strong interest and demand for what we are doing”, said Mr Widdup.

Westfield will officially launch the project to Retailers at presentations in both Auckland and Christchurch during March.

A presentation to the Riccarton Wigram Community Board is currently being arranged.

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