New shops, amenities in Merivale Mall $10m makeover
Friday, 23 March 2018
Christchurch's Merivale Mall is about to undergo the second stage of a $10 million revamp over the next seven months to amenities, common spaces, lighting, store fronts and interiors.
The refurbishment, which began in May 2017, will transform the mall with new tenancies and movement of several retailers to different spots.
Another separate refurbishment is also under way at the Brewers Arms building, owned by the Anglican Church, to the south of the mall across Office Rd.
Centre manager Nicola Dolan said the mall was the hub of the Merivale community and had many loyal customers, but market research showed a significant number of shoppers also came from other areas.
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The mall in the heart of well-heeled Merivale Village has more than 40 stores, including designer boutiques, lifestyle shops, restaurants and bars.
'We have enormous confidence in Merivale Mall, which is already an exceptional destination shopping centre and an important part of our portfolio. This investment will protect the centre's competitive advantage and ensure we can continue to deliver on our long-term plan for our owners,' Dolan said.
The 22,700-square-metre mall is owned by AMP, which has it valued at $73m in its accounts. AMP also owns The Palms and Northwood Supa Centre.
Merivale Mall's major tenant is FreshChoice, which is undergoing big changes to give it a new look.
FreshChoice owner Craig Grant said there would be new features for 'an improved shopping journey', including a farmer's market experience, extended deli-kitchen, local and artisan gourmet foods, and a florist.
Dolan said AMP had carried out research on customer desires. The mall would meet more sophisticated consumer trends evident in shops overseas.
'We are well under way with the programme and the end result will be worth the wait – we have in mind an even more beautiful, ambient and comfortable centre.'
Several shops have moved spaces and different tenants have gone into the mall.
Whitcoulls recently replaced Paper Plus, accessories shop Redcurrant has moved in, and Hartleys Fashion is taking the site where Kimberley's was.
Sportscraft will be a new brand to the centre in the next few months. Some new tenancies have yet to be negotiated.
The former Quinns Fashions site on the north east corner of the mall, which is separately owned, has a new tenant – Ecco Shoes.
Meanwhile, an Anglican Nelson Diocesan Trust spokesman said the Brewers Arms premises had been gutted for refurbishment and talks were under way with a new operator for the pub, which closed about a month ago