Christchurch’s Eastgate Shopping Centre Appoints New Manager

24 September 2012

Christchurch’s Eastgate Shopping Centre Appoints New Manager

Christchurch’s Eastgate Shopping Centre has appointed Joanna Hollander as its centre manager. Eastgate is owned by NZX-listed company NPT Limited; the centre has been managed by Jones Lang La Salle since July.

Jones Lang La Salle’s national retail manager Alistair Penny says,” We’re very pleased to have Joanna join the Eastgate team; her strong retail property experience will be a great asset for the centre. Our aim is to have Eastgate fully leased, and to continue to help rebuild the sense of community in east Christchurch which is centred around Eastgate.”

Prior to her appointment, Joanna was centre manager at Remarkables Park Town Centre for more than two years where she was responsible for 50 tenants and 24,000m2 of retail, office and service tenancies under management. A graduate of Lincoln University, Joanna has a BCom in valuation and property management.

Since April, when Eastgate received its CERA certification, there has been a significant increase in leasing enquiry and activity. Lincraft, the Australian fabric, craft and home furnishing store recently signed an eight year lease for a 1500m2 space and will open in mid-November. There are further leases in the pipeline with retailers keen to be located at Eastgate.

Alistair Penny adds, “The resurgence of leasing interest in Eastgate is due, in no small measure, to former centre manager Graeme Roberts. Graeme has worked tirelessly to get the centre repaired, rebuilt and revitalised since the earthquakes began in September 2010. We are enormously grateful to his energy and commitment to Eastgate.”

NPT’s chief executive Kerry Hitchcock says, “Eastgate is a very attractive proposition for retailers with its increased foot traffic and new leasing. Its pivotal position in the east Christchurch community gives Eastgate a great vitality and future - retailers want to take advantage of that. Joanna’s experience will be advantageous for Eastgate and NPT welcomes her aboard.”

For more information, please visit www.eastgate.co.nz

Key Facts about NPT Limited
• The company is listed on the NZX; its code is NPT.
• The board comprises Sir John Anderson (chairman), Kerry Hitchcock, Jim Sherwin, Tony McNeil and David Cushing.
• The acting chief executive officer is director Kerry Hitchcock; chief financial officer is Marshall Maine.
• NPT has a diversified portfolio of retail, commercial and industrial properties located in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Christchurch.

www.npt.co.nz

ENDS

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