New suburban precinct set to reshape Nelson’s shopping and office sectors
Richmond’s retail and commercial property scene is poised to undergo one of the biggest single developments in the
region’s history – with plans unveiled for a new bulk retail precinct on the Richmond township fringe.
The 5.5 hectare development at Richmond will be to the west of the city on land currently owned by McShanes Holding
Limited. The block has been farmed for dairy and more recently berry production by the Field family, Alan, Peter and
Phillip Field.
The project is being facilitated by Graeme Dick, a local property developer who has had long term involvement in this
region. The retail park will feature some 13 new premises ranging in size from 500 square metres through to 5000 square
metres for larger ‘bulk retail’ operators.
The new precinct – named Field Junction Retail Park - is being sold and leased through Bayleys Nelson. Project sales
leader Iain MacFadyen said the property is being marketed through three different options – either purchasing the entire
5.5 hectares with potential to have a controlling interest in the development, expressions of interest to purchase
selected parcels within the development, or to secure a lease on completion of space within the bulk retail complex.
Mr. MacFadyen said this comprehensive development is set to be a cornerstone of the Richmond West Development Plan to
accommodate the expansive growth of the region. The concept plans of the complex aim to include parking for 547
vehicles.
‘Zones’ within the Field Junction Retail Park site have already been defined into several complimentary sections –
encompassing bulk retail, hardware, homeware, furniture, clothing and accessories as well as cafes and a restaurant.
“Tenancies targeted for the precinct feature most of the big-name chains in New Zealand,” Mr MacFadyen said.
He said there was nothing else like the Field Junction Retail Park precinct or opportunity in the region.
“This initiative on a main arterial route offers exceptional opportunity for astute investors,
developers, syndicates or large commercial enterprise. Field Junction Retail Park will dramatically alter how residents
in the city shop and work.”
“New Zealand’s retailing has seen several development and geographic trends over the past decade – from the emergence
of ‘big box’ retailing hubs attracting the likes of Farmers, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming and supermarket chains,” Mr
MacFadyen said.
“This concept is modeled on the Tower Junction Retail Mega Park in Addington, Christchurch, which hosts a diverse range
of retail establishments such as Baby City, Bivouac Outdoor, Toyworld, Bed Bath and Beyond, Speights Ale House, and
Bunnings.
“From this retail core, social amenities are bolted on – which is where town planners commonly see the likes of,
pharmacies, gymnasiums, and entertainment zones come into their own.
“Meanwhile, the surrounding commercial spaces will be targeted at businesses in the agri’ sales and service sector whose
clientele come from the wider Nelson bays rural region.”
Mr MacFadyen expected Field Junction Retail Park to become a focal point as a bulk retail convenience hub for the
population living not only in Richmond’s existing metropolitan boundaries, but also pulling in a customer base from
greater Nelson and bays area.
Recognised food and beverage operations which are nationally interested in siting in this form of complex could include
the likes of Burger King, Wendy’s, Burger Fuel, Nando’s, Hell Pizza, Oporto, Columbus, Esquires, Robert Harris, or
Baker’s Delight.
“The strategy for suburban convenience retail hubs is to lease to complimentary businesses in what is known as a
‘jig-saw’ model where individual pieces fit together to create a bigger picture,” he said.
“Concept plans are underway toward a business park to the west and south of the bulk retail park as well as a large
residential subdivision immediately adjacent to the east which could see as many as 500 sections.
“This split configuration of bulk retail and business / commercial tenancies and residential growth could underpin a
seven-day-a-week business model – catering to office workers as well as the shopping-based audience.
“Due to a lack of land availability since the early 2000s, there has been a ‘log jam’ effect for the development of
commercial, Retail and Light Industrial premises around Richmond’s city fringe. With the Richmond West Development Plan
now deemed operative, that ‘log jam’ is showing signs of bursting to service the forecast population growth in the
region through to 2050,” Mr MacFadyen said.
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