The Warehouse to anchor capital airport retailers

By Suzanne Green

Friday 15th August 2003

One of New Zealand's leading discount retailers, The Warehouse, will be the anchor tenant for Wellington International Airport's new $30 million Airport Retail Park.

Other big names are expected to sign up soon, WIAL chief executive John Sheridan said.

According to other sources, Briscoes and Harvey Norman are expected to join The Warehouse, which has been looking to expand in the capital for some time. It will occupy a 8100sq m site within the retail park on the southwest boundary of the airport at Lyall Bay. Mr Sheridan said its presence was a major coup in terms of its pulling power among shoppers.

"To operate a large, successful retail development, The Warehouse has to be a key part of the shopping mix. That's been borne out in retail developments right throughout New Zealand.

"We are delighted to have them on board," Mr Sheridan said.

There had been no shortage of interest from other bulk retailers and negotiations were progressing well.

The aim was to ensure the Retail Park had the optimum mix, with trading scheduled to begin by Christmas next year.

A group of airport-related businesses, including rental car and freight companies were being relocated to the eastern side of the airport. New premises were due to be built later this year.

"The area we are developing has been gradually deteriorating for many years and this project will provide a significant boost to Rongotai-Lyall Bay, as well as creating significant employment opportunities in the Eastern and Southern Suburbs," Mr Sheridan said.

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