NEW ZEALAND. Auckland Airport has announced more big-name brands to occupy its planned NZ$200 million (US$119.4 million) premium outlet shopping destination, Mānawa Bay.
Now in its final stages of construction, the 150,000sq m retail complex will house the largest Nike store in New Zealand as well as other brands making their debut in the country.
Set to open in the second half of the year, the focus is now on fitting out the 100-store outlet shopping centre with thoughtful and inclusive elements.
Auckland Airport Chief Commercial Officer Mark Thomson, who leads the team delivering Mānawa Bay, said he’s pleased with the progress of this project. He commented: “It is important to us to deliver a high-quality shopping experience everyone can enjoy and feel truly welcome. Not only is Mānawa Bay’s coastal location an opportunity to embrace, but we also challenged ourselves to think differently about sustainability and what would make a best-in-class shopping centre.
“For us, that’s a low-carbon future, inclusivity and accessibility. This is about taking a careful look at how we could improve the experience for a wider range of people.”
He added: “Retailers, like Nike, can also see the value here, the chance to be part of a centre that’s aiming to reflect the needs and expectations of our community. We’re thrilled to have Nike on board, they’re a real anchor tenant and we can’t wait to see their logo up on the side of the building.”
Nike Pacific General Manager and Vice President Ashley Reade added: “The new Nike store at Mānawa Bay will be our largest in the country and we look forward to serving consumers through performance and lifestyle products as well as premium experiences and services.
“Our store is designed to help the community connect more closely with the sport through more personalised experiences both in and out of store for members and beyond.”
Thoughtful spaces
To ensure more inclusivity, Mānawa Bay will feature two parent/caregiver baby change rooms, gender-neutral bathrooms and an accessible change room for those with complex disabilities.
The outlet centre will have a designated reflection room, which can be used for multi-faith prayer, plus a separate low-light sensory room.
Unique details will include locker storage units for bags, electric vehicle and bike charging stations as well as dedicated rideshare pick-up and drop-off areas.
New tenants announced
Tenants joining the impressive brand line-up at Mānawa Bay are Bendon, Macpac, Canterbury, Ariat, Tech Pro and Mountain Warehouse, as well as Timeless Watches, which will make its New Zealand debut.
The outlet centre will feature well-known international fashion names such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse & Hurley, Lorna Jane, The Beauty Boutique, Coach, PUMA, Fila, Under Armour and Flo & Frankie. Kate Spade, Swarovski and Helly Hansen will also open their first outlet locations in New Zealand.
Thomson said: “The leasing progress has been going really well and we’re thrilled with the calibre of tenants signing up. We have more than 70% NLA of the centre now in signed Heads of Terms or Agreements to Lease. There really is nothing like Mānawa Bay in New Zealand yet – and we can’t wait to open our doors to the public later this year.”
Construction update
Auckland Airport is targeting a 5 Green Star rating throughout the construction. Roof-top solar panels will make up the largest rooftop solar array in New Zealand. At 2.3-megawatts, the solar array will support more than 80% of the centre’s anticipated power usage.
Transport
Mānawa Bay is strategically located with access from the North and Southeast, with access to public transport options. It is a four-minute drive from Auckland Airport’s domestic and international terminals.
There will be ample parking and opening hours will be 10am to 6pm.
Auckland Airport is currently refreshing the transport investment plans, and is working with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to plan and deliver improvements across the wider area. ✈
