Christchurch Airport clears the site for Spitfire Square

June 24, 2014

Construction of a retail precinct at Christchurch Airport comes a step closer this month with the demolition of a building on Memorial Avenue.

The building which used to house Maui Campervans is being demolished to clear the site where Spitfire Square will be developed.

Christchurch Airport Chief Commercial Officer Blair Forgie says the development is now underway, with strong tenant interest for a spot in the centre.

“Spitfire Square will offer a variety of convenience retail and services for airport customers and people who work at the airport. Current interest includes a supermarket, bank, café, restaurant, pharmacy, bookshop and florist, to name just a few,” says Mr Forgie.

“We are in discussions with a variety of tenants, all of whom see the value of being close to an international airport and the millions of visitors who come through – as well as the thousands of employees who work on and around the airport every day.”

Evan Harris from Colliers International is managing the leasing of the development and says interest in some categories has been so strong, particularly food, that it is disappointing to turn some people down.

“In one food category there were eight operators keen to take the space. The demand has certainly shown that a well-planned development in a key location, with such high profile as Memorial Avenue, is always going to create strong tenant interest” says Mr Harris.

Countdown’s General Manager for Property, Adrian Walker, says the company is looking forward to being part of the development as anchor tenant and having its Countdown supermarket create up to 100 new jobs.

“We’re delighted to be part of the airport’s plans and to be adding to our presence in Canterbury. Christchurch is a city we’re committed to employing and investing in and we’re looking forward to putting a local team together ahead of the opening,” he says.

The supermarket is expected to be approximately 2400sqm and to open mid-2015. Recruitment information will be advertised on the Countdown website around 12 weeks before opening.

ENDS

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