New Zealand’s first premium purpose-built fashion outlet centre will open in Mānawa Bay. This new 100-store shopping centre is planned to offer the sought-after premium fashion, homeware and lifestyle brands, and athleisure to Auckland Airport. With a development scheme of $200 million plus, this 150,000 metres-squared site will be a hive of activity aimed to be available in 2024.
Earthworks for the preparation of the building's foundation have now been completed, and the following phase of construction plans is to be underway this spring. Auckland Airport’s General Manager of Property and Commercial, Mark Thomson, is excited to bring customers the best international and local brands. “This will be New Zealand’s first ever premium purpose-built outlet centre. We know from overseas airport fashion outlet centres that there are a proven and resilient retail model and a go-to destination for shoppers. We can’t wait to open the doors in 2024.”
The detailed design work of the interior is underway, constructing a “figure-of-eight” layout created for easy movement and navigation for visitors. Three entry points will open into a 24,000 metres-squared area of retail space and stores for customers to enjoy.
Working closely with local iwi on this project, developers understand it is important to recognise the significance of cultural ties to the land. This centre has been named Mānawa Bay to reflect its unique location on Māngere Peninsula. The histories embedded in this area hold a deep connection to Tangata Whenua. In Te Reo Maori, Mānawa translates to “mangroves”, referring to a coastal plant species that have graced the surrounding waterways of this land for many years.
As well as providing kiwis with a special and enjoyable experience within this exciting shopping centre, Thomson envisions that this new development will set a new benchmark for New Zealand’s market. So far, Thomson and his team have received positive responses from local brands and international retailers eager to get involved. Airport locations are becoming increasingly popular with premium outlet centres. The desire for seconds or last-season fashion pieces at discounted prices has withered. The current demand is leaning towards contemporary fashion goods and accessories – upmarket brands that have proven to be outlet favourites for shoppers.
In order to captivate and provide a modern yet convenient shopping experience for customers, architects understand the vitality of designing a comfortable and inviting setting. Partnering with TRCB Architects – the same company that designed the DFO Perth outlet centre at Perth Airport – Auckland Airport seek to capture its customers and provide multiple choices authentically. TRCB principal architect, Graham Taylor, claimed that the setting for visitors influences their overall experience. “We’re wanting to create a space that every customer feels comfortable in, whether they’re shopping for a new t-shirt or for high-end fashion accessories.”
With a park-like centre and food and beverage located in the heart of the complex, the indoor and outdoor seating with large windows will offer natural lighting and soothing water views. The interior aims to match this feeling of comfort and serenity with polished concrete floors, pared-back, tactile textures, natural tones and colours. Inspired by ideas of flight and air being close to the airport, Taylor said they have built on the concepts of lightness, toying with forms and shapes that completely oppose the archaic and traditional designs of square-shaped buildings.
Sustainability is another strong fundamental in the process of this project. The materials being used will be long-lasting and require minimal energy for maintenance and requirements. Aiming to accomplish a five-star Green design target, Auckland Airport emphasises the importance of sustainable relationships with the environment.
As Auckland has continued to invest in the development of better travelling options and public transport, Auckland Airport has been majorly upgrading roading around the area and is investing another $160 million on roads around the area to prioritise public transport. Mānawa Bay will be easily accessible for travellers and locals with a planned 1400 car parks and located at a 25-minute drive from Auckland CBD.
