27 April 2018
Business is booming in Porirua
There’s been a surge of business activity in Porirua City in recent months and it’s picking up pace.
Mayor Mike Tana says recent big property sales and new businesses moving to or starting up in the city show that
business confidence is growing.
“The interest in the KFC building at auction earlier this month was off the hook, with 168 bids. It was bought by a
local investor for $2.75 million and shows how confident our retail sector is.
“North City’s recent sale for $100 million was also great news for the city, along with the recent announcement that
Colliers International will manage the shopping centre. We’re looking forward to proactively working with the owners of
the new shopping centre,” says Mayor Tana.
Porirua City is currently welcoming expressions of interest for the purchase of 7 Serlby Place. The site provides a unique opportunity to open a business or undertake a residential development that will contribute
to the vibrancy of Porirua’s our city centre. The Council is seeking innovative ideas – some suggested uses are an eco
apartment block, yoghurt and yoga gym, mountain biking café or cooking school. Visit poriruacity.govt.nz/business/7-serlby-place to find out more.
“We’ve recently seen businesses like Torpedo7 and Colour Closet setting up shop in Porirua, with announcements of more
businesses to open in the coming weeks. Our Harbour’s Edge Pop-up at the end of Norrie Street has been launched with
three new businesses established there this year,” he says.
“Our CBD is a focal point for Porirua City – providing social, recreation and employment opportunities. We’re working to
make our city centre a place where more people want to live, work and invest in and we’ve been partnering with Ngāti Toa
to maximise opportunities in the city,” says Mayor Tana.
“Next week we’re holding a city centre summit focused on encouraging greater business investment and engagement. We’re
keen to see more of this kind of activity,” says Mayor Tana.
On Wednesday 2 May the Council is running an interactive Porirua City Centre Summit with Chris Wilkinson from First
Retail Group. The summit is for local businesses, property owners and the community to ensure there is a collective
focus on the city centre’s social and economic success.
As part of our city centre revitalisation programme, this event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders to
share opportunities, understand priorities and drive progress. Our website has more details about the summit and how to
register. Visit poriruacity.govt.nz/summit
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