Date: 04 November, 2014
Development partner sought for ex-supermarket site
The Northland Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from potential joint venture partners to redevelop the
former Countdown supermarket site in Kensington, Whangarei.
The high-profile 9967 square metre site on the corner of Kensington Ave and Kamo Rd has a recent valuation of $5.625
million. It has been vacant since Countdown’s relocation to the Regent in late June.
The property is located within five minutes’ drive of the Whangarei city centre and experiences strong traffic flows
from northbound traffic. Nearby properties include a mixture of retail, residential and medical uses, providing a wide
range of redevelopment opportunities.
Northland Regional Council Chairman Bill Shepherd says council recognises the potential advantages to ratepayers through
continued ownership of the property – if it can be redeveloped in a way that provides both certainty of outcome and a
competitive long-term return.
“We’re now going through a formal process of exploring options for the property and are seeking expressions of interest
from developers with a strong track record of successfully completing similar projects.”
Councillor Shepherd says the council does not intend to take on any development risk, which will be borne by the
developer as part of any agreement. “Our role will be as an investor only.”
Auckland-based property consultancy Greenstone Group, which has significant experience in project and development
management of retail and commercial projects, has been appointed to assist council with the expressions of interest
process.
Expressions of interest close at 4pm on Friday 19 December. They will be reviewed in early January, and negotiations
with short-listed parties will follow.
Submission documents for potential developers can be found on www.gets.govt.nz and www.nrc.govt.nz/tenders
ENDS