Big supermarket expansion further boost for Bishopdale

Friday, 5 June 2026

A major expansion and update planned for the New World supermarket in Bishopdale, Christchurch, will give a further boost to the suburb’s shopping facilities.

The supermarket is in the Bishopdale shopping centre, where the past year has seen properties change hands and new tenants sign up.

The construction project will boost the supermarket’s floor size by nearly 40%, increasing it northwards by about 2500m2.

New cladding, glazing, decorative panels and signage will be added as part of the project, and the car park upgraded.

Unlike most New World and Pak’n Save supermarkets, the Bishopdale premises are not owned by operator Foodstuffs.

The property was bought last year for about $10 million by a group of Christchurch investors under the company name SIO Bishopdale Ltd.

The company has applied for resource consent for the project.

A Foodstuffs South Island spokesperson said they are in the planning stages of the redevelopment and are excited about the project.

The supermarket is one of 18 of its stores with work under way or planned, the spokesperson said.

“Ongoing investment is particularly important in the South Island, where geography and scale create additional complexity in keeping stores supplied and prices competitive.“

Once work starts it is expected to take 12 months. The supermarket will remain open during the redevelopment.

“Our focus is making the store easier to shop and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the local community,” the spokesperson said.

“We'll be able to confirm more specifics after the design is complete.”

Other changes in the Bishopdale Shopping Centre are contributing to its revival, after several years of vacant tenancies.

The nearby Harewood Tavern has been taken over by the Vieceli family. They are long-term Christchurch hospitality operators whose other businesses are Amazonita, Delilah, and Bangalore Polo Club on The Terrace in the central city, One Good Horse and The Turf in Parklands, and the Avonhead Tavern in Avonhead.

The shopping centre’s former Mitre 10 store, formerly a Farmers department store, was sold to Christchurch investor Toru Hoa Ltd and has been extensively renovated.

Snap Fitness gym has moved into the large building, and a medical centre and smaller shops will follow.