Fantasy shopping village planned
A unique ‘fairy’-style shopping village is being proposed in O¯ mokoroa to house boutique shops and offices, with verandahs providing for relaxed outdoor dining and enjoyment.
O¯ po¯ tiki developer Bob Wickham is excited about the proposed commercial development on a 1.6ha site next to FreshChoice supermarket on the corner of Tralee Street and Hamurana Road.
“This is huge,” he said.
“It will be something special and will make O¯ mokoroa complete.” Mr Wickham said it will have an Alice in Wonderland feel with no concrete walls or grey roofs — everything will be bright and happy.
“The whole image of the village will fit into this style of living. I see it as the physical centre for the local people.”
The village will provide for 40 tenants including 10 offices. Mr Wickham said over half of the tenants have booked a space already.
“Rachel Millard from Tall Poppy in O¯ mokoroa has put a wonderful group of tenants together, so if you want to be involved, you better hurry.”
Rachel is excited about the proposal.
“This is the opportunity for Omokoroa ¯ to create a destination village with heart.
“The complex will reflect the lifestyle rhythm and history of the area, linking to the existing supermarket and medical centre, allowing people to wander and gather around the village.”
The Cooney Family Trust members are excited their commercial block is to be developed. Brendan Cooney is pleased to see his father Eion Cooney’s vision for the land realised and thinks the development will compliment the surrounding businesses that have already invested in O¯ mokoroa.
There will be a restaurant, eateries, including cafes and fast food, women’s fashion stores, a gym and special children’s centre, with a major surprise planned — but that is being kept under wraps.
The shops will have rounded roofing with verandahs overhanging the footpaths so people can sit outside and enjoy coffee or food.
“In New Zealand the verandah concept is lost but that’s the image we want to bring back — it is a lovely concept,” Mr Wickham said.
And there will be plenty of parking.
“People will move easily and can park in front of their desired shop or not be far away.”
Potted trees and flowers will bring a little of nature to the surrounds, with a walkway through to the supermarket and also the medical centre, chemist, physio and other shops nearby.
Wickham believes O¯ mokoroa is a special area and deserves special treatment.