HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

12 DECEMBER 2018

Countdown’s announcement that it has applied for resource consent to redevelop the Wainuiomata Shopping Centre and build new supermarket will be music to the ears of the local community, say Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace and Hutt City Councillors Josh Briggs and Campbell Barry, all Wainuiomata residents.

Work on the extensive development, which will include a brand-new supermarket, large carpark and a network of connected buildings for retail and commercial purposes could start as early as the end of 2019.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace is excited by the announcement, which has been a long time coming for the suburb.

“This is fantastic news for Wainuiomata. The local community has been eagerly awaiting news on the future of the shopping centre complex – what a great early Christmas present this is,” said Mayor Wallace.

“It will have a hugely positive impact in our community. It will bring new life, new opportunity and new business to the heart of Wainuiomata.”

Mayor Wallace also acknowledged Countdown for sharing his and others’ confidence in the suburb.

“I would like to applaud Countdown for their commitment to the people of Wainuiomata and for recognising the potential to create an asset for the whole community.

“With construction of the Wainuiomata Shared Path, retirement village and several residential developments in progress, plus construction of the new adventure dog park due to start next year, Wainuiomata is definitely on a roll.

“I’m personally very excited for the future of Wainuiomata and so pleased to see this underway.”

Local Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Josh Briggs was pleased to hear that the development would be going ahead.

“The state of the mall has been the most frequent local issue raised with me by residents over the last five years,” said Cr Briggs.

“There has been significant work behind the scenes by lots of people to assist us in getting to this point.

“Thank you everyone who has played a part in this development becoming a reality. Thanks to Countdown for investing in our community. The development of the mall site is a massive win for Wainuiomata.”

Fellow Wainuiomata Ward Councillor Campbell Barry was similarly enthusiastic.

“A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point, and I am over the moon with the result. Today is a great day for Wainuiomata,” said Cr Barry.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Countdown to build a vibrant business precinct that we can all be proud of.”

ENDS

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