Retail expansions positive for Porirua

The expansion of several big retail players is good news for the Porirua economy.

Hardware supplier PlaceMakers moved to Todd Park late last year after 20 years in Semple Street.

The business has been able to expand to 8250 sqm, meaning all goods can be stored on-site and the addition of a drive-through area.

Todd Park in Elsdon was a Mitsubishi plant until 1999, and is now owned by Auckland company Rockport Holdings. The move is a commitment to Porirua, says Boyd Kenna, PlaceMakers Porirua’s joint venture operator.

‘‘ We’re committed to the local trade. The new site also provides us with a platform for future growth as building industry momentum continues to strengthen.’’

Chocolate makers Whittakers and shoe shop Hannahs are also on the move. Hannahs is moving its storage warehouse from Mohuia Cres in Elsdon to Todd Park, where it has taken a 10-year lease.

The move is further good news for the city, says Chris Gollins, the Tommy’s Commercial real estate agent who negotiated the move.

Whittakers, meanwhile, has bought Hannahs’ former warehouse at 20 Mohuia Cres, next door to its own plant. The building will double Whittakers’ floor space and will be used to store raw materials as the company gears up for an export push into the United States, Asia and the Middle East.

The company also plans to extend its office block for increased staffing.

Whittakers has been based in Porirua since 1969.

Still more moves and expansions are afoot, Mr Gollins says.

A major international company is about to confirm tenancy at Todd Park, and there may be changes at the MegaCentre.

The owner of Mitre 10 Mega shops in Petone and Upper Hutt owns the former PlaceMakers’ site in Semple St as well as buildings housing Spotlight, Uncle Bills, Beaurepaires, Holden and the former IRD building.

However, no plans to use the land for a Mitre 10 Mega have been announced, Mr Gollins says.