Ravenswood a New Commercial Hub for North Canterbury
A new commercial centre for North Canterbury – at the heart of Ravenswood Village, a residential community with over
1500 sections – will provide more choice and convenience for residents of Ravenswood, Pegasus, Woodend, Rangiora and
Kaiapoi.
The new 10-hectare development, divided into 44 commercial lots with space for 70 shops and services, is currently in
development off State Highway 1.
The commercial centre will focus on large-format retail and light industrial premises, including a supermarket, hardware
store and a number of other leading retailers, as well as a range of food outlets, and other services.
The new centre will also feature a fuel station, with comprehensive onsite facilities and extensive parking, to serve
both the local area and commercial and commuter traffic on State Highway 1. Smaller scale retail, including boutique
shopping, a restaurant and café will complement the commercial hub.
The Ravenswood Retail Centre’s developers, who are also planning the adjacent community development, say the new
commercial centre will support and stimulate local growth.
Ravenswood Developments Limited general manager Paul Croft says North Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing
districts, and it needs both jobs and investment to sustain its growth.
“Over the last few years, many people have chosen North Canterbury for its unique balance of semi-rural lifestyle and
close proximity to an incredible array of attractions,” says Paul Croft.
“A growing population drives economic growth within the district, providing more opportunity to develop businesses and
create a wider range of convenient choice for local people.”
“This new development will also create more jobs for local people, both during construction and over the longer term.”
Mr Croft says the developers will also invest extensively in the creation of local infrastructure to support the
development.
“For features like high speed digital networks and other infrastructure, a commercial centre of this scale gives us the
opportunity to provide more services to local residents and business owners.”
“Upgrading roading will also provide efficient access to the commercial hub from all directions, making it quick and
convenient to use, and creating a market for retailers that extends throughout the local region.”
“Ultimately, we are aiming to create sustainable, self-sufficient growth for the community, without compromising the
surrounding rural character.”
“We also hope the location of these services in the centre of the region will help to offset traffic congestion by
reducing the requirement for local residents to travel further afield to shop.”
Mr Croft says the developers, Infinity Investment Group, have already received significant interest from a number of
retailers and business, including significant anchor tenants for the main proposed activities.
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