Little Creatures puts its first New Zealand roots down at Catalina Bay

Willis Bond & Co. is delighted to announce that iconic craft brewery Little Creatures has selected Catalina Bay at Hobsonville Point to be its first New Zealand home. Little Creatures have found a new “spiritual home”, encompassing a micro-brewery and all-day dining, in the historic Sunderland Hangar.

Little Creatures is known for establishing home-bases in character-filled buildings that reflect their distinctive personality and enable them to share the authentic micro-brewing experience which has become their hallmark; the historic Sunderland Hangar was a perfect fit.

Little Creatures’ Head of Hospitality Graeme Dick says they are excited about introducing the full Little Creatures experience to New Zealand. “At Little Creatures, we’re all about creating great spaces for everyone to come together to enjoy good food and even better beer. We can’t wait to join the Catalina Bay neighbourhood, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Aucklanders to our new spiritual home.”

Little Creatures fits in well with plans to make Catalina Bay Auckland’s newest home for artisan food and beverage retailers. The area, master-planned by Cheshire Architects, will be a new weekend destination for Aucklanders with its waterfront location just a short ferry ride from the CBD. Boaties will be able to put the anchor down and row in for lunch. It will be an exciting new hotspot for Aucklanders and tourists to enjoy.

Willis Bond & Co. Managing Director, Mark McGuinness, says the Little Creatures’ tenancy is an exciting addition to the area. “Willis Bond is pleased to welcome Little Creatures to Catalina Bay in their first foray into the New Zealand market. The decision works perfectly with our vision for the area. We have no doubt that the addition of Little Creatures at Catalina Bay will enhance this area as a sought-after destination for Aucklanders looking to experience exceptional quality food and beverage. Equally, Little Creatures adds to the offering for the office and apartment occupiers at Catalina Bay.

With its award-winning beer, locally sourced produce and hospitality, Little Creatures is a perfect fit for the area, and an outstanding anchor tenant for Catalina Bay,” says McGuinness.

Born in 2000 in Fremantle, Little Creatures is one of Australasia’s best-loved craft breweries. The Catalina Bay development will be Little Creatures’ second venture outside Australia, following the 2016 opening of a micro-brewery and dining venue in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. It will include on-site brewing facilities, multiple dining options, and a family friendly play area. An opening date is anticipated for late 2018.

Catalina Bay, formerly known as The Landing, is an extensive project by Willis Bond & Co., converting the former Hobsonville Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base into a mixed-use space that can be enjoyed by everyone. Other spaces will include a restaurant, cafés, restored character offices and the revamping of the popular Farmers Market. Apartments will be added in the second stage of the development.

ENDS

About Willis Bond & Co

Willis Bond & Co is an Auckland and Wellington based company specialising in property development. Its projects are predominantly large-scale, waterfront and urban mixed-use developments. Examples include the multiple award-winning $180 million Clyde Quay Wharf in Wellington, and the Wynyard Quarter residential apartment developments 132 Halsey and Wynyard Central.

Willis Bond has founded a number of property-related funds including Willis Bond Capital Partners and Willis Bond Capital Partners II. The two Willis Bond Capital Partners funds comprise $228 million of equity which provide a significant, secure capital base for large-scale development projects in New Zealand.

The company has strong and established relationships with its consultants and contractors, who must be best in class and closely aligned with the outcomes of projects. Willis Bond aims to implement environmentally sustainable design and places strong value on creating long lasting communities. Willis Bond is a key funder of The McGuinness Institute, a think-tank on issues associated with managing New Zealand’s long-term future.

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