Auckland Airport's new retail centre a drawcard for prominent brands

2:41 pm on 4 August 2023
Auckland Airport's new retail complex at Manawa Bay

The airport's $200 million project is taking shape at Manawa Bay. Photo: Supplied / Auckland International Airport

Auckland Airport has already leased about half of its new outlet shopping centre, Manawa Bay, a year ahead of when it is due to open its doors.

It has announced a raft of big brand tenants, including Kate Spade, Coach, PUMA, Fila, Under Armour and Flo & Frankie, for the $200 million project.

The company's chief commercial officer, Mark Thomson, said the outlet centre was filling up fast, and all of its anchor sites had now been leased.

"Brands are gaining access to what will be New Zealand's first purpose-built outlet shopping centre - designed and created based on what retailers require to offer the best experience possible to their customers."

He said the airport was having discussions with more than 80 potential tenants for the centre, and more than half of the net lettable area was under either signed heads of terms or agreements to lease.

The 24,000 square metre centre will house more than 100 retail brands with stores ranging in size from small to large.

Thomson said construction was running on time despite bad weather.

"The building's structural steel is 60 percent completed with the roof installation following closely in behind it, and the first concrete floor pour has been done."

Auckland Airport's new retail complex

Photo: Supplied / Auckland International Airport

More than 1400 customer carparks will be available directly in front of the centre, along with a dedicated pick-up and drop-off area for ride-share services, taxis and buses.

Auckland Airport has considerably expanded its commercial property interests in recent years, including business parks, warehousing, hotels, and retail precincts.

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